New study shows: These 12 factors may trigger early dementia

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In Switzerland, someone suffers from dementia every 16 minutes. In total, more than 150,000 people are affected in this country. Five percent of those affected are under the age of 65, and this trend is increasing. In a study from the University of Exeter and Maastricht University, researchers concluded that it is not just genetics that play a role.

The study analyzed data from 350,000 dementia patients under the age of 65 in Great Britain to reveal what may be the determining factor for the disease at an early age.

The results, published in the journal JAMA Neurology, suggest that environment and general lifestyle are important factors. Alcohol abuse, vitamin D deficiency, and isolation can cause a person to develop Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.

Depression and alcohol increase risk

The biggest risk factor is orthostatic hypotension, which means blood pressure drops when standing up. This is often triggered by cardiovascular disorders. Patients have irregular blood pressure and experience symptoms that improve when the person lies down.

“Besides physical factors, mental health also plays an important role, including avoiding chronic stress, loneliness and depression,” explains Sebastian Köhler, professor of neuro-epidemiology and one of the authors. This includes excessive alcohol consumption.

Next comes stroke, and the fourth most common risk factor at a young age is genetics. Social disadvantage also plays a role in the emergence of the disease. This is followed by diabetes, heart disease and vitamin D deficiency. Finally, hearing loss, high levels of C-reactive proteins (those produced in response to inflammation or tumors), and social isolation can also trigger dementia in people under 65.

Not a cure – slowing down

According to research, dementia can also be prevented. Factors that prevent the disease include mental conditioning and education, moderate alcohol consumption and grip strength. A slow walk and a weak handshake are factors that trigger dementia.

Typical symptoms of dementia are emotional depression and weakness. In addition, those affected are at a loss for words, experience memory lapses, and have a diminished ability to react.

The study shines a light of hope for an incurable disease. Because people who develop dementia under the age of 65 are cut off from their lives. Most of them have jobs and children. (jwg)

Source : Blick