Status: 16.01.2024, 13:52 PM
By: Jasmina Deshmeh
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Younger people can also develop dementia. Some risk factors can be avoided, as a large-scale study has now shown.
When it comes to dementia, many people think of memory problems in old age. Younger people can also be affected. If the first symptoms appear before the age of 65, it is referred to as "young onset dementia". Researchers from the University of Exeter (UK) and the University of Maastricht (Netherlands) have now identified 15 factors that increase the risk of early dementia in a large-scale study.
Early dementia – not just genetic causes
According to estimates by the German Alzheimer's Society, about 100 out of 100,000 people between the ages of 45 and 65 in Germany are affected by the early form of dementia. From the age of 65, the number rises to about 5,000 per 100,000 people. The symptoms of dementia are varied: at the beginning, short-term memory declines and sufferers have difficulty remembering things. As the disease progresses, they also lose their long-term memory, become disoriented, inattentive and can no longer articulate themselves properly. Eventually, sufferers lose their ability to think and thus their perception, experience and behavior.
Dementia is not necessarily a disease of old age, younger people can also have symptoms such as memory problems (symbolic image). © Pond5 Images/Imago
It is known that genetics play an important role in dementia at a younger age. Scientists from Exeter and Maastricht have now been able to prove that lifestyle and environmental influences are also decisive on the basis of a large study. For the study, published in the journal JAMA Neurology, they analyzed data from 350,000 people under the age of 65. The results show that some risks can actually be reduced.
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15 Factors Increase the Risk of Early Dementia
The data comes from the UK Biobank, a large database from the UK. The research team took into account a wide range of risk factors and concluded that the following increases the likelihood of early dementia:
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- a low level of education
- low socioeconomic status (low education, income, possessions)
- genetic predisposition
- Alcohol abuse
- social isolation
- chronic stress
- Vitamin D deficiency
- Depressions
- Stroke
- Diabetes
- Hypertension
- Physical frailty
- Sitting for long periods of time (lack of exercise)
- Hearing impairment
- Heart disease in childhood
Professor David Llewellyn of the University of Exeter said in a statement: "This is the largest and most powerful study of its kind ever undertaken. Excitingly, it shows for the first time that we may be able to take action to reduce the risk of this debilitating disease."
Early dementia is particularly stressful
Dementia is very stressful, especially for younger people. It often takes some time before a diagnosis is made, and those affected usually still have a job, children and a busy life. According to the German Alzheimer's Society, the range of support services is also low. Those affected and their relatives are dependent on support, because dementia changes relationships and partnerships, early retirement may reduce family income and support or even care must be guaranteed over a long period of time.
Study results could help with prevention
Sebastian Köhler, Professor of Neuroepidemiology at Maastricht University: "We already knew from research on people who develop dementia at an older age that there are a number of modifiable risk factors." The current study shows that in addition to physical health, mental health also plays a role. For example, stress and loneliness increase the risk of developing dementia. "I was surprised that this is also visible in young dementias and could also offer opportunities for risk reduction in this group."
And Dr. Janice Ranson, a scientist at the University of Exeter, is also optimistic: "Our research is breaking new ground [...] We believe this could usher in a new era of interventions to reduce new cases of this condition."
Tips for a good memory
If you are worried about developing dementia in the course of your life, you can at least reduce your risk of developing the disease with a few tips: It is important to regularly check your blood sugar as well as blood pressure and cholesterol levels and to pay attention to a healthy diet with plenty of vegetables and valuable vegetable oils. Regular relaxation helps to reduce stress and reduce the risk of dementia-promoting depression and sleep disorders. Owning a dog can also have a positive effect on memory, as it prevents lack of exercise and also reduces the risk of depression.
This article only contains general information on the respective health topic and is therefore not intended for self-diagnosis, treatment or medication. It is in no way a substitute for a visit to the doctor. Unfortunately, our editorial team is not allowed to answer individual questions about clinical pictures.