The study reveals the largest risk factors to obtain early dementia

A 2023 study by the University of Exeter and Maastricht University published in Jama Neurology has identified some of the factors that can lead to first cases of dementia – some of which may surprise you.

The data analyzed the behavior of more than 350,000 participants under the age of 65 across the United Kingdom to assess the dementia of young people, which occurs before the age of 65. Researchers discovered that there were 15 common problems that can contribute to the early development of the disease. Some have to do with genetics and other elements out of our control, but many others can be changed.

The study is significant for experts because it “examines the risk factors for dementia of young people in a way that has only been done in late dementias Dr Kevin Bickart, assistant professor in neurology at the University of California, David Geffen School of Medicine of Los Angeles Health. The study presents “A very large sample which was prospectively followed by the healthy basic line to a diagnosis of dementia with a lot of data collection. »»

The large -scale study examined 39 possible risk factors and determined that 15 of them made the greatest difference when it comes to developing dementia before the age of 65. These include:

1. Social isolation
2. Lower formal education
3. Lower socioeconomic status
4. Transporting two copies of the APoe gene (a marker that influences the risk of Alzheimer’s)
5. Vitamin D deficiency
6. Suffering
7. Alcohol consumption disorder
8. No alcohol consumption (abstinence)
9. Depression
10. High levels of C-reactive proteins
11. Lower handle force (physical fragility)
12. Orthostatic hypotension (a form of low blood pressure)
13. Stroke
14. Diabetes
15. Heart disease

Although certain recognized risks are out of the control of many people – such as being a carrier of the APOE gene or your socioeconomic status – others can be managed by lifestyle changes.

Overall, the results of the study comply with what medical experts have recommended patients for years.

Dr Arman Fesharaki-ZadehAssistant professor of psychiatry and neurology at the Yale School of Medicine, recommended three “lifestyle measures” that people may consider when they try to reduce their risk of dementia for young people – starting with physical exercise.

“An active daily practice can have large-scale advantages, which include an improved neurocognitive function,” said Fesharaki-Zadeh, adding that Physical activity can increase neurogenesis (the formation of new neurons and synapses), vasculogenesis (the creation of new blood vessels) while offering inherent mood advantages.

Then focus on consuming nourishing foods. Fesharaki-Zadeh defended a Mediterranean diet, mentioning its well-documented advantages.

“Such a food practice, which includes food groups such as green leafy vegetables, olive oil, salmon and blueberries, is rich in vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants-all neuroprotective factors,” he explained.

Fesharaki-Zadeh recommended cognitive stimulation, mood and social stimulation to keep your mind lively.

For cognitive stimulation, this could look like learning a new language or attending a seminar, listening to music or dancing. Basically, everything that engages your mind will help stay healthy. Mood stimulation, on the other hand, concerns stress reduction practices, “like mindfulness and yoga,” said Fesharaki-Zadeh.

As for social stimulation, it’s quite simple: try to connect with other humans face to face and talk to them as much as possible. “In the era of the pandemic and now post-pandemic, quality social connections should be increasingly encouraged and practiced,” said Fesharaki-Zadeh.

Although these habits do not cover the entire list of risk factors for dementia, they are a fairly solid start.