The chance of developing dementia at an earlier age can be lowered through changes in lifestyle. The findings were reported in JAMA Neurology, challenging the notion that genetics alone drives this condition.
Global estimates indicate roughly 370,000 cases of early-onset dementia occur each year, with more than 350,000 residents under 65 in the United Kingdom participating in the new study.
The analysis highlighted several risk factors that amplify the likelihood of early-onset dementia. These include limited education, lower socioeconomic status, dangerous patterns of alcohol use, and social isolation. Health issues such as vitamin D deficiency, depression, stroke, hearing loss, and heart disease also contribute to the elevated risk.
Researchers note that as many as 40% of dementia cases in older adults worldwide are linked to lifestyle factors that can be influenced. While it has long been suspected that poor genetics play a major role in dementia among younger individuals, the latest research questions that assumption and points toward modifiable influences across the age spectrum.
As Sebastian Köhler, a professor of neuroepidemiology at Maastricht University, explained, existing studies on dementia occurring later in life already show several controllable risk factors. Beyond physical health, mental well-being is also crucial. Reducing chronic stress, loneliness, and depression may hold significance not only for later-life dementia but also for younger cases, potentially opening doors to risk reduction strategies in younger populations as well.
Earlier scientists warned about a possible cause for false positives in dementia testing, emphasizing the need for careful interpretation of screening results and diagnostic processes.