Gaby
Researchers at the University of Exeter (UK) and Maastricht University (Netherlands) identified more than a dozen factors that raise the risk of early-onset dementia.
Nearly four million people worldwide develop dementia before age 65 — that’s considered premature or early-onset dementia. Each year about 370,000 new cases are diagnosed, according to The Guardian.
What the Researchers Discovered
The team analyzed data from 350,000 volunteers under 65 who took part in the UK Biobank study. Their analysis revealed key factors that influence a person’s risk of developing early-onset dementia.
Among the primary risk factors, they listed orthostatic hypotension, depression, heavy alcohol use, stroke, genetic predisposition, financial insecurity, diabetes, heart disease, and social isolation.
“Addressing these factors could prove effective in reducing the risk of developing dementia at a young age,” the team wrote in their report published in JAMA Neurology.
Dementia is one of the biggest global health challenges. About 57 million people worldwide live with the condition, and women are significantly more likely than men to develop it. By 2050, experts predict the number could climb to 153 million because of population aging and growth.
