A large collaborative study from the University of Exeter in the United Kingdom and Maastricht University in the Netherlands has identified a set of factors that increase the risk of developing dementia before the age of 65. The research, with findings published in JAMA Neurology, emphasizes that not only genetic predisposition but a range of lifestyle, health, and socioeconomic elements play a meaningful role in early-onset dementia. The study sheds light on how these factors interact to influence brain health long before typical retirement age, highlighting opportunities for prevention and early intervention across North America and beyond.
Involving more than 350,000 participants under 65, the project drew on data from the UK Biobank, a comprehensive repository of biological samples and health information. Researchers collected extensive data on mental and physical health, then evaluated a broad spectrum of potential risk factors. These included genetic susceptibility, cardiovascular health, nutrition, education, income, social connections, and environmental influences. The scale of the cohort and the depth of data allowed investigators to examine how multiple risk factors converge to affect the likelihood of developing dementia at a younger age.
The results point to several consistent contributors to early-onset dementia. Low levels of education and limited socioeconomic resources emerged as strong predictors, alongside lifestyle factors such as smoking, poor dietary habits, and physical inactivity. Social isolation and persistent loneliness also appeared to increase risk, underscoring the importance of social engagement for brain health. Biological factors were equally relevant, with vitamin D deficiency, depressive symptoms, prior stroke, hearing impairment, and cardiovascular disease identified as notable risk elements. Genetic predisposition adds another layer, indicating that some individuals may be inherently more vulnerable to neurodegenerative processes. These findings align with a growing body of evidence that dementia is influenced by a complex mix of modifiable and non-modifiable factors rather than a single cause.
Beyond identifying risk factors, the study reinforces the idea that certain protective practices may help reduce the probability of early dementia. The researchers emphasize that maintaining a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, limiting alcohol use and tobacco exposure, managing chronic stress, and addressing mental health concerns can contribute to healthier cognitive aging. By supporting cardiovascular health, promoting physical activity, staying socially connected, and keeping vitamin D levels adequate, individuals may lower their overall risk profile. This holistic approach to brain health mirrors broader public health messages focused on preventing chronic disease and promoting well-being across the lifespan.
From a public health perspective, the study underscores the importance of recognizing dementia risk early and implementing strategies that support vulnerable populations. The findings suggest that interventions designed to raise educational attainment and to improve socioeconomic conditions could have downstream benefits for brain health. Additionally, public health campaigns that encourage regular exercise, healthy eating, vitamin D optimization, and social participation may contribute to reducing the incidence of dementia in younger cohorts. Such strategies are particularly relevant for communities in the United States and Canada, where disparities in education and income can influence health outcomes across generations.
In summary, the research confirms that early-onset dementia results from a blend of genetic, medical, lifestyle, and social factors. While some determinants are beyond individual control, many influences are modifiable through lifestyle choices, preventive care, and supportive social environments. As new studies continue to expand our understanding, health professionals and policymakers are better positioned to design targeted interventions that mitigate risk and promote cognitive resilience for younger adults in diverse populations across North America and globally. This evolving knowledge base presents an ongoing opportunity to reframe brain health as a lifelong priority rather than a concern confined to older age. The message is clear: proactive management of risk factors today can contribute to healthier cognitive trajectories tomorrow, with meaningful implications for families, workplaces, and communities at large. Sources: JAMA Neurology study on early-onset dementia risk factors.