Factors that increase the risk of dementia in young people

Drinking excessive alcohol, having heart disease, diabetes, stroke, or vitamin D deficiency all increase the risk of premature memory loss.

Memory loss is a part of the aging process as we get older. However, some risk factors can cause memory loss to start earlier, before age 65, or even as early as age 40.

In 2023, Oxford University in the UK and several other organizations published the results of genetic and medical testing of 356,000 people with an average age of 55 and no history of dementia. During a follow-up period of approximately 8 years, 485 people were diagnosed with early-onset dementia.

According to researchers, there are more than 10 risk factors leading to memory loss before age 65, which can be divided into the following groups:

Education and social background : Low level of education, low socioeconomic status , limited participation in social activities.

Genetics : Individuals carrying the APOE4 gene have an increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.

Habits : Heavy drinking and alcohol use disorder.

Medical conditions : Vitamin D deficiency, high C-reactive protein levels, hearing impairment, diabetes, heart disease, depression, orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops when standing up after sitting or lying down), stroke.

People who drink a lot of alcohol often experience memory loss. Photo: Freepik — People who drink a lot of alcohol often experience memory loss. Photo: *Freepik*

According to the study authors, alcohol use disorder is twice as likely to cause dementia. Stroke (caused by excessive alcohol consumption, poorly controlled blood sugar, or untreated high blood pressure) also doubles the risk of dementia in young people.

Young people who participate little or no in social activities and have limited interaction with friends and family are 53% more likely to develop dementia. This figure rises to 61% for those with heart disease and approximately 65% for those with type 2 diabetes. Vitamin D deficiency is associated with a 59% increased risk of dementia and a 56% increased risk of hearing loss.

Mental health is crucial and can impact brain function. Depression is associated with a threefold increased risk of developing dementia at a young age.

Genetic predisposition to developing dementia before age 65, by 27-87%, is an unchangeable risk factor.

People can control these risk factors by abstaining from alcohol, treating depression, and engaging in more social activities. Preventing stroke, controlling heart disease, diabetes, and blood pressure, maintaining physical activity, avoiding stimulants, and participating in healthy recreational activities can help prevent early-onset dementia. Managing and treating hearing loss and vitamin D deficiency can also improve memory.

Mai Cat (According to Everyday Health )

Readers can ask questions about neurological disorders here for doctors to answer.

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