(NaturalHealth365)  Young minds are deteriorating faster than anticipated, with early-onset dementia diagnoses rising at an alarming rate among young adults.  This growing trend is profoundly affecting working-age individuals and their families.

In fact, recent findings published in Neurology Journals highlight the increasing prevalence and incidence of early-onset dementia, shedding light on the significant mental health challenges faced by those under 65.  Beyond the individuals themselves, dementia takes a toll on their loved ones and society as a whole.  As more young and middle-aged adults are diagnosed, the burden on our healthcare system – and its associated costs – continues to escalate.

The growing global crisis of early-onset dementia

Finnish researchers recently analyzed the prevalence and incidence of early-onset dementia – defined as dementia occurring before age 65 – over a span of just over a decade.  Their findings revealed that incidence rates were higher than previously reported and showed a progressive increase throughout the 11-year study period.  However, it’s important to note that the data was limited to two regions in Finland: Northern Savonia in Eastern Finland and Northern Ostrobothnia in the north.

Further insights were provided by a systematic review published in JAMA Network, which analyzed 95 studies on early-onset dementia.  This global review found that the standardized prevalence of early-onset dementia averaged 119 cases per 100,000 individuals aged 30 to 64.  Alarmingly, the incidence among individuals aged 30 to 34 showed an increase of 1.1 cases per 100,000.

These findings show that early-onset dementia is not confined to Finland or specific regions but represents a growing global health challenge.

Natural solutions for maintaining cognitive performance

You can take steps to proactively defend against the development of early-onset dementia.

A diet highlighted by Mediterranean foods, meaning wild fish, organic olives, nuts, and leafy greens, is beneficial to brain health.  Foods rich in antioxidants, such as organic dark chocolate, bell peppers, berries, and tomatoes, also help prevent dementia.  Moreover, fish, walnuts, and other foods with omega-3 fatty acids improve brain functionality, helping to slow the progression of dementia and cognitive decline.

Like other body sites, the brain needs sufficient blood flow to function at peak performance.  Engage in strength training and aerobic exercises to boost blood flow to your brain.

Mental stimulation also helps ward off dementia.  Continue your quest for knowledge through lifelong learning.  If you struggle to remember things, play cognitive training games or enroll in a class or two at your local community college.

Even socialization plays a role in keeping the mind sharp and your spirit high.  Engage in social activities with neighbors, family, and friends.  If you are isolated, consider volunteering or joining others for Bingo Night or other local events that provide much-needed mental stimulation.

Minimize the stress in your life, and you’ll find that your mind isn’t nearly as crowded.  You’ll think more clearly with sufficient sleep.  Engage in daily meditation for 10 minutes and practice mindfulness exercises to keep your mind sharp.

Though study results are mixed, there is some evidence that herbal supplements such as turmeric (curcumin) and ginkgo biloba promote cognitive function.  If you drink alcohol, limit your intake, as alcohol is a subtle poison that kills brain cells.

Editor’s note: Discover the best strategies to avoid and reverse the signs of dementia, own the Alzheimer’s and Dementia Summit created by NaturalHealth365 Programs.

Sources for this article include:

Neurology.org
NIH.gov
Studyfinds.org