Researchers from the University of Exeter (UK) and Maastricht University (Netherlands) found that depression, cardiovascular disease, vitamin D deficiency, hearing impairment, low education and socioeconomic status increase the risk of developing dementia under the age of 65. results published In JAMA Neurology.
More than 350 thousand people under the age of 65 participated in the research. Participant information was obtained from the UK Biobank, the largest repository of biological samples. Researchers collected data on participants’ mental and physical health and evaluated a wide range of risk factors for dementia, from genetic predisposition to lifestyle and environmental influences.
The results showed that low education and socioeconomic status, bad habits, social isolation, vitamin D deficiency, depression, stroke, hearing loss and heart disease significantly increase the risk of developing dementia at a young age. Genetic predisposition is also among the provocateurs of this disease.
It is also stated that proper nutrition, avoiding alcohol and cigarettes, as well as coping with chronic stress, loneliness and mental illness can help prevent dementia.
Commenting on the results, Dr. one of the authors of the study from Maastricht University. Stevie Hendricks added that young age dementia has a very serious negative impact on the lives of people who lead busy lives and build families and careers. New scientific studies expand our understanding of the risk factors of this disease and open new opportunities to reduce the likelihood of its development.
It was like that before named An unexpected benefit of an active lifestyle.