(NaturalHealth365)  Defined as a syndrome, dementia is caused by diseases that gradually deteriorate nerve cells and compromise brain functionality.  Individuals with dementia eventually experience a decline in cognitive abilities, impacting their thinking processes compared to their younger years.

Early-onset dementia, occurring in younger individuals, poses particularly severe challenges.  Yet, a recent research study carried out in the United Kingdom and featured in JAMA Neurology provides insights into some of the most effective strategies for reducing the risk of early-onset dementia.

Decoding dementia: Vitamin D, alcohol, and beyond

The most recent study on dementia indicates that both vitamin D deficiency and alcohol consumption are contributing factors to early-onset dementia.  This research examined a total of 15 distinct risk factors for early-onset dementia, focusing on lifestyle choices and genetic and environmental factors.

The study encompassed 350,000 participants residing in England, making it the most extensive study of its kind.  The investigation targeted individuals aged between 30 and 60 who had been diagnosed with young-onset or early-onset dementia.

Data for the study were sourced directly from the UK Biobank, an extensive longitudinal study focused on gathering health-related information from UK residents.  The primary objective of the UK Biobank is to explore the impact of environmental influences and genetic predispositions on disease development.

The researchers carried out an initial assessment over a four-year span from 2006 to 2010.  Subsequent follow-up assessments were conducted in 2018 and 2021.  Through comprehensive systematic data analysis, a total of 39 specific risk factors were identified.

One of the study’s key motivations was to challenge the prevailing belief that genetics alone predominantly cause the syndrome.  The aspiration is that pinpointing particular lifestyle and health-related factors that contribute to early-onset dementia will lead to preventative measures that can deter the onset of the syndrome in younger individuals.

Additional early-onset dementia risk factors everyone should know about

Aside from the consumption of alcohol and vitamin D deficiency, the study authors found several other factors that influence the risk for early-onset dementia.  Social isolation, poverty, genetics, and even less postsecondary or no postsecondary education (college) all increased the chances of early-onset dementia.

Furthermore, factors such as stroke, depression, heart disease, and hearing impairment also increase the susceptibility to developing dementia.  Stay informed as ongoing research continues to shed light on the underlying causes and mechanisms of this debilitating syndrome.

Strategies for boosting vitamin D levels and limiting alcohol intake

While altering our genetic makeup remains beyond our reach, we all possess the ability to enhance our vitamin D levels and curtail alcohol consumption.  After all, our lifestyle decisions will impact our genetic expression.  Here are some healthy suggestions:

Get a reasonable amount of sun exposure:  Spend 30 minutes daily outdoors to help your body to generate vitamin D, naturally.  Just be sure to avoid getting sunburned.

Eat a healthy diet:  Include vitamin D-rich foods like wild-caught fatty fish, organic (raw) dairy, and pasture raised (organic) egg yolks.

Consider supplementation: Consume a high-quality vitamin D3 supplement, along with boron, magnesium and vitamin K2 to increase your levels.  When testing your vitamin D levels, the optimal range is between 50 – 80 ng/mL.

Minimize or avoid alcohol consumption: Track your habits and identify triggers for overconsumption.

Set goals:  Aim for alcohol-free days or reduce intake gradually.  Plus, make regular exercise a top priority.

If needed, get support:  Join support groups or consult professionals for guidance.

Explore alternatives:  Try non-alcoholic beverages or new hobbies as substitutes.

On a final note: Always do your best to identify the greatest source of toxicity in your life and minimize exposure, as soon as possible.  By adopting these measures, you can make strides in improving your health and reducing your risk of early-onset dementia.

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

Sources for this article include:

Jamanetwork.com
Exeter.ac.uk
Studyfinds.org
NIH.gov