2024-01-10 12:59:16
A Major Study Identifies 15 Lifestyle and Health Factors Associated with Early Dementia Risk
A groundbreaking new study has shed light on the lifestyle and health factors that are associated with the risk of early dementia. While dementia is commonly associated with older adults, the study, which analyzed UK Biobank data from 356,052 individuals under the age of 65, revealed that hundreds of thousands of people are diagnosed with dementia at a younger age every year.
The study found that a variety of factors, including low socioeconomic status, alcohol abuse, social isolation, vitamin D deficiency, elevated levels of CRP (C-reactive protein), hearing impairment, drop in blood pressure when standing up, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, chronic stress, and depression are associated with a higher risk of early dementia. Additionally, two genetic variants of the apolipoprotein E4 gene, known to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease in older age, were identified. Conversely, a higher level of education, low physical frailty, and moderate to heavy alcohol consumption were associated with a lower risk.
Many of these risk factors are modifiable and can be reduced through a healthier lifestyle, the study authors write in the journal “JAMA Neurology”. They emphasized the importance of addressing physical and mental health, suggesting that avoiding chronic stress, loneliness, and depression may play a significant role in lowering the risk of early dementia.
Epidemiologist David Llewellyn from the University of Exeter called the study “the largest and most powerful” of its kind ever conducted. He noted that the findings have significant implications, as dementia at an early age can have serious consequences for those affected, many of whom are still working and have families. While it is widely believed to be genetic, the exact causes of early-onset dementia are still unknown.
The study, published in the journal “JAMA Neurology”, offers new insights and highlights the importance of understanding and addressing the risk factors associated with early dementia onset. The identification of modifiable risk factors provides hope for potential preventative measures and interventions that could help reduce the incidence of early-onset dementia in the future.]
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