Dementia is often thought of as a condition that affects older adults, but it can also occur in younger individuals. Early onset dementia, which is diagnosed before the age of 65, presents unique challenges and demands increased awareness, from understanding its causes and risk factors to finding ways we can reduce the likelihood of developing it.
What is early onset dementia?
Early onset dementia refers to cognitive decline that begins during what some consider an individual’s prime working years, typically between the ages of 30 and 65. It affects memory, decision-making, and daily functioning, often disrupting careers and family responsibilities.
This type of dementia can be particularly devastating, as its symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked until the disease has progressed into more advanced stages. For younger individuals, memory issues or behavioral changes may initially be attributed to stress, anxiety, or other non-neurodegenerative causes, delaying diagnosis and intervention.
What causes early onset dementia?
The underlying causes of early onset dementia vary. Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause, even in younger individuals, but other forms such as frontotemporal degeneration, vascular dementia, or Lewy Body dementia are also common. In some cases, genetic factors play a role, particularly when dementia develops before age 50. Of note, the most common cause of dementia under age 60 is frontotemporal degeneration, also known as FTD.
Certain risk factors, often linked to overall brain health, may accelerate the onset of cognitive decline:
- Chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, or hypertension can damage blood vessels in the brain, impairing its function over time.
- Hearing loss has been suggested to increase cognitive load, making the brain work harder to process information and reducing its resilience.
- Social isolation , loneliness, and depression contribute to stress and a lack of cognitive stimulation, which may accelerate brain aging.
- Lifestyle factors, such as poor diet, lack of exercise, or untreated health conditions, can amplify risks.
How can I reduce my risk?
The good news is that many risk factors for early onset dementia are modifiable. Making proactive lifestyle changes can significantly improve brain health and reduce the likelihood of developing dementia at any age. Here are a few tips curated by Dr. Joel Salinas, board-certified behavioral neurologist and Chief Medical Officer at Isaac Health:
- Stay Active: Regular physical exercise promotes blood flow to the brain, supports the growth of new brain cells, and reduces inflammation. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.
- Follow a Brain-Healthy Diet: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats (such as the Mediterranean diet) provide essential nutrients to support cognitive health.
- Engage Socially and Mentally: Strong social connections and mental stimulation—such as learning new skills or pursuing hobbies—help maintain cognitive resilience.
- Protect Hearing: Addressing hearing loss early by using hearing aids or minimizing exposure to loud noises can reduce cognitive strain.
- Manage Chronic Conditions: Controlling diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol helps prevent vascular damage that could harm the brain.
- Address Mental Health: Treat depression, anxiety, and stress early to reduce risk and improve your overall well-being.
Early onset dementia comes with unique challenges, but being proactive can make a difference. As we like to say at Isaac Health, brain health is a lifelong journey. What we do today can have a lasting impact on how our brains perform in the future, and adopting healthy habits not only reduces the risk of dementia but also enhances quality of life at every stage.
Sources:
Hendriks S, Ranson JM, Peetoom K, et al. Risk Factors for Young-Onset Dementia in the UK Biobank. JAMA Neurol. 2024;81(2):134–142. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2023.4929
Selwa LM, Banwell BL, Choe M, et al. The Neurologist's Role in Promoting Brain Health. Neurology Journals. 2025;104(1). doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000210226
