Dementia is a terrible condition for anyone, at any age. Still, Alzheimer’s and dementia that start early are especially heartbreaking. As the number of people with this diagnosis went up, experts tried to figure out why. Researchers have found 15 things that are linked to the risk of getting early-onset dementia in a new study published in JAMA Neurology. Using data from the UK Biobank, the study sheds light on the risk factors that can be changed and those that can’t be changed that are linked to the occurrence of young-onset dementia (YOD). We now know more about the things that put people at risk for dementia thanks to this study. It also opens the door for targeted interventions and measures to avoid dementia.
Potential Causes of Early-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease
A type of dementia called early-onset Alzheimer’s starts before age 65. This is a neurological disease that impacts memory, thinking, and behavior, among other things. While older people are more likely to get Alzheimer’s disease, cases that start in childhood are pretty uncommon, making up only 5–10% of all Alzheimer’s diagnoses. The study’s goal is to find out what factors might make early-onset Alzheimer’s more likely to happen.
This will help researchers come up with ways to stop the disease and find treatments for it
The study used a lot of information from the UK Biobank, which has records on over 356,000 people. The experts looked at 39 possible risk factors from a range of different areas. Some of these were genetic factors, living factors, environmental factors, blood marker factors, cardiometabolic factors, psychiatric factors, and the list goes on. The data were gathered from 2006 to 2010, and new tests will be done until 2021 in England and Scotland and 2018 in Wales.
15 Risk Factors Identified for Young-Onset Dementia
As we already said, the experts were trying to figure out what genetic, lifestyle, and behavioral factors might make this disease happen more quickly. The study found that 15 things are strongly linked to a higher chance of getting young-onset dementia. “Our results make me think that mental health is very important,” said Stevie Hendriks, PhD, who led the study and is from Maastricht University in the Netherlands. This shows how important it is to make it easier for people of all ages to get mental health help and to set up facilities and programs to help people who are lonely and isolated. What raises the risk:
1. Problems with alcohol use:
Might break down brain cells, alter brain chemistry, and even cause brain inflammation.
2. Not as much schooling:
It causes the cognitive reserve (the brain’s ability to compensate for brain damage) to decline.
3. Less social interaction:
It may eventually breed feelings of loneliness and stress, which can further spark dementia.
4. Economic factor:
Poorer sections of society have shown higher instances of early dementia
5. Hypotension during standing:
This may be a symbol of poor vasculogenic to the brain. It can potentially lead to cell death due to insufficient oxygen supply.
6. Two copies of the APOE4 gene:
This aggregation of proteins into plaques in the brain which is a typical feature of dementia will be worsened.
7. Not getting enough vitamin D:
This might be or could be a part of brain cell’s health and communication and its disadvantage has been a cognitive decline.
8. A lot of C-reactive protein:
Shows chronic inflammation or constantly irritated brain cells which can seriously affect their health and slow them down.
9. Not as strong of a grip:
The low level indicated by this sign may reflect vascular complications or nervous system damage. This condition may in turn add to the probability of the person getting dementia.
10. No drinking:
Though harmful alcohol abuse is known, people who do it moderately may get some protective benefits relating to dementia for the particular people. (Note: Depending on the individual’s health condition, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor for a custom conversation.
11. Brain Stroke:
Disrupts blood flow and eradicates oxygen supply to the brain tissue which threatens cell death and reduces cognitive performance.
12. Heart trouble:
The sluggish supply of oxygen to the brain in case of heart complications also has much to do with the increased risk of dementia occurrence.
13. Problems with hearing:
Social isolation and leisure activities detachment can speed up the process of losing cognitive function (being mentally impaired).
14. Diabetes:
The disease contributes significantly to early-onset dementia.
15. Depression:
This disorder is apt to be in the wake of inflammation and neurochemical distortions which can be a cause of dementia. On the other hand, all of these additions can do damage to the brain as they lead to swelling and take on chemicals that are hurtful. Besides there are ways glucose is responsible for cerebral cells being used as energy. This is vital in the prevention of Alzheimer, and other kinds of dementia.
Interconnected Risk Factors: A Domino Effect on Brain Health
These aspects of a case do not stand separately. They often go together. Every person who has a problem with alcohol probably has another problem with nutrition, depression, and issues with health in general. Some of them cause diseases in the long run like diabetes, hypertension, and stroke which become the greatest risk factor for developing dementia.
The Bottom Line
It is crucial to concentrate on things you have control over because it can increase the odds of early-onset dementia. On the other hand, you should give up the things which will increase your chances. The pros of coping with Alzheimer’s say that exercise should be done regularly, and following the diet of Mediterranean, while the most effective way to enhance one’s mood, memory, and socializing is to stimulate the mind. These might be examples of learning different things by attending new classes, regaining yourself by doing activities such as yoga and mindfulness meditation and talking with your friends and relatives.