By Amir Mohammad
Public Health
Dr. Amir Mohammad
A recently published medical article captured my attention. In this study, researchers identified four new risk factors for young-onset dementia within the prospective UK Biobank study.
The study, published in JAMA Neurology, included participants below 65 years without a dementia diagnosis at the baseline assessment, conducted from 2006 through 2010. Those aged 65 and older or with dementia at baseline were excluded. Lead author Stevie Hendriks of Maastricht University and colleagues analyzed data from 356,052 participants, following them until 2021 or until reaching age 65.
During the eight-year follow-up, 485 new cases of YOD were identified, with an incidence of 16.8 per 100,000 person-years. The incidence increased in five-year age bands from 40 to 64, with a higher rate in men than women.
The cohort study revealed multiple modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors for YOD. Higher education and lower physical frailty were associated with lower YOD risk, while increased risk was linked to factors such as low socioeconomic status, alcohol use disorder, social isolation, vitamin D deficiency, high C-reactive protein levels, hearing impairment, orthostatic hypotension, stroke, diabetes, heart disease and depression.
Notably, this study identified four novel risk factors for YOD: orthostatic hypotension, vitamin D deficiency, high C-reactive protein levels and social isolation.
The findings emphasize the importance of incorporating these modifiable risk factors into future dementia prevention initiatives, offering new therapeutic possibilities for YOD.
According to Hendriks, “Young-onset dementia has a very serious impact because the affected individuals typically still have a job, children and a busy life.”
With many individuals facing young-onset dementia in their 40s and 50s, it is crucial to adopt healthy lifestyle choices early on. Recent estimates indicate that approximately 200,000 people in the US are affected by young-onset dementia.
To reduce the future risk of dementia, individuals in their 40s should consider maintaining an active and healthy lifestyle, quitting smoking, limiting alcohol intake, managing chronic diseases like diabetes and high blood pressure, and staying mentally and socially engaged.
As the year begins, it is an opportune time to consult your health care providers, discuss personal risk factors and develop strategies to prevent dementia.
Dr. Amir Mohammad is the director of public health for the town of Orange.