Early-onset dementia, also called young-onset dementia, affects hundreds of thousands of people each year. Contrary to popular belief, this disease does not only affect the elderly. A recent study, published in Jama Neurology at the start of the year, sheds new light on the risk factors associated with this pathology. Researchers analyzed data from more than 350,000 individuals aged under 65 in the UK, revealing promising avenues for preventionprevention and management of this devastating disease.
Risk factors identified: a mix of genetics and lifestyle
The study, carried out by an international team led by Dr David Llewellyn from the University of Exeter, highlighted lightlight 15 risk factors associated with early dementia. Among these factors, we find:
- low socio-economic status;
- social isolation;
- hearing disorders;
- the background ofAVCAVC ;
- diabetes;
- heart disease;
- depression.
More surprisingly, the study also identified vitamin D deficiency and high levels of C-reactive protein (a marker of inflammation) as potential danger factors. On the plan geneticgeneticthe presence of two variants of the ApoE4 ε4 gene, already associated with Alzheimer’s diseaseAlzheimer’s diseasealso increases the risk of early dementia.
The alcohol paradox and the importance of education
The study reveals a complex relationship between alcohol consumption and the risk of early dementia. If the abuse ofalcoholalcohol is clearly associated with increased risk, moderate to high consumption seems paradoxically correlated with reduced risk. Researchers explain this phenomenon by the fact that people who consume alcohol in moderation are generally in better overall health. It’s important to note that many people who are abstinent are sober for medical reasons.
Furthermore, the study highlights the importance of formal education as a protective factor. A higher level of education is associated with a reduced risk of early dementia. Likewise, better grip strength, an indicator of fragility physiquephysiqueis also linked to lower risk.
Impact and perspectives for research and prevention
This study, described as “ the largest and most robust ever conducted » by Dr Llewellyn, opens new perspectives for the prevention and treatment of early dementia. Dr. Sebastian Köhler from Maastricht University highlights the importance of these findings:
« In addition to physical factors, mental health plays a crucial role, including the prevention of stressstress chronic, loneliness and depression ».
The table below summarizes the main risk and protection factors identified:
| Risk factors |
Protective factors |
| Low socio-economic status |
High level of education |
| Isolement social |
Good grip strength |
| Hearing problems |
Moderate alcohol consumption* |
| History of stroke |
|
| DiabetesDiabetes |
* To be interpreted with caution
These results offer new avenues for research and development of targeted prevention strategies. Dr Stevie Hendriks, neuroscientist at Maastricht University, emphasizes the importance of these findings:
« Early-onset dementia has a very serious impact, as those affected usually still have jobs, children and busy lives. The cause is often assumed to be genetic, but for many people we don’t know the exact origin. This is why we also wanted to investigate other risk factors in this study ».
By identifying these modifiable risk factors, this study paves the way for more effective preventive approaches, offering hope of reducing theincidenceincidence of early dementia through the adoption of healthier lifestyles and proactive management of identified risk factors.
Related News :