15 Factors Linked to Young-Onset Dementia Risk, Largest Study Reveals

Dementia is more prevalent in older adults, but younger people can also suffer from the disease. Young-onset dementia affects thousands annually and a recent study identifies 15 risk factors. The findings challenge the belief that genetics mainly cause young-onset dementia, paving the way for innovative preventive approaches.

What Is Young-Onset Dementia?

People who exhibit dementia symptoms before turning 65 are commonly referred to as individuals with 'young-onset dementia.' This classification is not based on biological factors but stems from the historical retirement age of 65. Alternative terms like 'early-onset dementia' or 'working-age dementia' are sometimes used, but this information opts for the term 'young-onset dementia.'

Dementia, characterized by a range of diseases, manifests differently in younger individuals compared to older adults. Young-onset dementia is associated with a broader array of causative diseases, a higher likelihood of rarer dementia forms, an absence of initial memory-related symptoms, and a greater impact on movement, walking, coordination, or balance.

Additionally, young-onset dementia is more likely to have a genetic component, affecting up to 10% of cases, which sets it apart from the conditions observed in older individuals.

For those diagnosed with dementia under the age of 65, the adjustment to living with a long-term condition as a younger person involves various concerns. These individuals may worry about the effects on family dynamics, relationships, financial stability, and daily life.

Furthermore, there may be heightened anxiety regarding the potential genetic predisposition, with concerns that siblings or children may face an increased risk of developing dementia in the future. The unique challenges posed by young-onset dementia necessitate a comprehensive approach to care and support for affected individuals and their families.

15 Risk Factors for Young-Onset Dementia

In a groundbreaking study, researchers departed from the conventional focus on genetic factors and identified 15 lifestyle and health elements linked to the risk of young-onset dementia.

Led by epidemiologist David Llewellyn at the University of Exeter, the study, involving 356,052 individuals under 65 in the UK, revealed associations between young-onset dementia and factors such as low socioeconomic status, social isolation, hearing impairment, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, and depression.

Characterized as the largest and most robust study of its kind, the research introduces the prospect of reducing young-onset dementia risk by targeting various modifiable factors.

Interestingly, alcohol's relationship with young-onset dementia was deemed complex, with abuse increasing risk while moderate to heavy drinking correlated with reduced risk. Higher levels of formal education and lower physical frailty were associated with lower young-onset dementia risk, contributing valuable insights into this less-understood condition.

Neuroepidemiologist Sebastian Köhler emphasizes the importance of mental health, including avoiding chronic stress, loneliness, and depression. While these findings don't establish causation, they contribute to a more nuanced understanding of young-onset dementia, potentially paving the way for enhanced treatments and preventive measures.

The identification of modifiable factors raises hope for reducing dementia risk through healthier lifestyles, offering prospects beyond mere management. Neuroscientist Stevie Hendriks underscores the seriousness of YOD's impact and the study's imperative to explore various risk factors beyond presumed genetics.

The comprehensive study, titled "Risk Factors for Young-Onset Dementia in the UK Biobank," was published in JAMA Neurology.