Heavy drinking, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, and vitamin D deficiency increase the risk of dementia earlier than usual.
Memory loss is part of the aging process as we get older. However, certain risk factors can cause early-onset memory loss before age 65, or even age 40.
In 2023, the University of Oxford, UK and several units, published the results of genetic and medical information testing of 356,000 people with an average age of 55, with no history of dementia. During a follow-up period of about 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, divided into the following groups:
Education and society : Low education level, low socioeconomic status, low participation in social activities.
Genetics : People carrying the APOE4 gene have an increased risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Habits : Heavy drinking and alcohol use disorder.
Pathology : Vitamin D deficiency, high C-reactive protein levels, hearing loss, diabetes, heart disease, depression, orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops when standing up from sitting or lying down), stroke.
People who drink a lot of alcohol often suffer from memory loss. Photo: Freepik
Alcohol use disorders are linked to twice the risk of dementia, according to the study authors. Stroke (caused by heavy drinking, poor blood sugar control, or untreated high blood pressure) also doubles the risk of dementia in young people.
Young people who have little or no social activity and little interaction with friends and family are 53% more likely to develop dementia. This figure is 61% for people with heart disease and about 65% for people 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 important and can affect the brain. Depression is associated with a three-fold increased risk of developing young-onset dementia.
Genetic predisposition increases the likelihood of developing dementia before age 65 by 27-87%, which is a non-modifiable risk factor.
People can control these risk factors by not drinking alcohol, treating depression, and being more socially active. Preventing stroke, controlling heart disease, diabetes, and blood pressure, staying physically active, avoiding stimulants, and engaging in healthy recreational activities can help prevent early-onset dementia. Managing and treating hearing loss and vitamin D deficiency can also help improve memory.
Mai Cat (According to Everyday Health )
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