Health and lifestyle factors could increase risk of…
- Researchers in Great Britain and the Netherlands have identified 15 risk factors
Dementia that occurs before age 65 could be less likely in people if they change their lifestyle.
Early onset dementia affects 70,800 people in this country.
Although it only accounts for about 3 percent of dementia cases, the memory-robbing disorder is devastating. Now researchers have found 15 factors that can influence people's risk.
They believe they are the first to link social isolation and vitamin D deficiency with higher risk. And dementia in young people also appears to share a number of potential triggers with dementia in the elderly, such as hearing impairment and being less active. These are problems that can be addressed by purchasing hearing aids or exercising more.
Experts say the results are hopeful, showing that a genetic risk of dementia early in life is not the full story, and that people can reduce their risk based on how they live.
The risk of developing dementia is increased by factors such as a vitamin D deficiency
Researchers in Britain and the Netherlands found that genes can significantly increase risk, but so can lifestyle and environmental factors such as alcohol abuse, social isolation and lower socio-economic status. (stock image)
Health and lifestyle factors can increase the risk of dementia at a young age
Professor David Llewellyn, co-author of the study from the University of Exeter, said: 'There has been a lot of focus on the genetic causes of early-onset dementia, but we wanted to look at other factors. We discovered that there are things people can change about their lifestyle that can reduce their risk. This form of dementia may therefore be more similar to dementia in old age than we realized. This could help people think about how to keep their brains healthy.”
Researchers, whose findings were published in the journal JAMA Neurology, looked at 356,052 adults between the ages of 37 and 64.
Those categorized as socially isolated were about 50 percent more likely to develop dementia. Hearing disorders were associated with a 56 percent higher risk and for people with vitamin D deficiency this was 59 percent. Those without a degree or similar qualification were also at greater risk.
Having had a stroke, diabetes, heart disease or orthostatic hypotension were also factors.
Staying active and strong appears to be important, with people with above-average grip strength reducing their chances by 42 percent. Moderate drinkers had a 28 percent lower risk than teetotalers, but that may be due to the fact that those who are less healthy and take certain medications drink less often.
It has been suggested that the grapes in red wine may be good for the brain, but alcohol is generally harmful.
Problem drinking was associated with higher risk. A genetic variation, in a gene called APOE, which occurs in about a quarter of people, is another factor, as is depression.
A sudden financial shock in midlife, such as losing your job or most of your savings, can increase your risk of dementia.
The stress of losing a large amount of money appears to accelerate cognitive decline, at least in people between the ages of 50 and 65.
A study of 8,000 people published in the journal JAMA Network Open found that people who experienced a financial shock were 27 percent more likely to develop dementia.