Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · May 2
GBHI links dementia risk to childhood and early-life factors
Updated
Updated · ScienceAlert · May 2

GBHI links dementia risk to childhood and early-life factors

4 articles · Updated · ScienceAlert · May 2
  • In The Lancet Healthy Longevity, an Ireland-led 2024 review said risks can begin before birth and across ages 18 to 39, highlighting smoking, heavy drinking, inactivity and social isolation.
  • It also cited pollution, traumatic brain injury, hearing or vision loss, low education, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, LDL cholesterol and depression as modifiable risks for earlier prevention.
  • The researchers said dementia prevention should be lifelong, with school education, public health campaigns, youth advisory councils and national brain health charters; emerging risks include ultra-processed foods, screen time, stress and microplastics.
Your lifestyle choices raise dementia risk, but could your environment be the bigger threat?
Dementia's clock can start ticking before birth. How can we turn back time in our youth?
Blood tests can predict Alzheimer's decades early. Should healthy young adults be screened?