People are being diagnosed with dementia at increasingly younger ages, with patients in their late 40s now regularly affected, according to a new study. Researchers from Bournemouth University warn of a 'silent epidemic', noting that early-onset dementia was typically diagnosed in patients in their late 60s two decades ago.
The study, published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, analysed data from 20 developed nations over 11 years. It found that dementia rates have risen markedly even after accounting for better diagnosis and an ageing population. Death rates from the illness have soared, with deaths in over-75s 'virtually doubling'.
Lead researcher Professor Colin Pritchard said environmental factors are likely playing a major role. 'The rate of increase in such a short time suggests a silent or even a hidden epidemic, in which environmental factors must play a major part, not just ageing,' he told The Times. He cited increases in petro-chemicals from air transport, motor vehicles, insecticides, and background electromagnetic fields.
The study also revealed that women are generally more at risk for early-onset dementia. In the UK, the death rate for women over 75 is 9,144 per million, compared to 6,862 per million for men of the same age. Finland had the highest rates for men over 75, with 19,987 per million dying from the disease.
Age UK recommends that the elderly can help prevent dementia by exercising three to five times a week for 30 minutes, quitting smoking, drinking in moderation, and eating plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables. The researchers noted that major health campaigns for heart disease and cancer have not been matched for neurological illnesses.
