Dementia: 6 Midlife Behaviors Linked to Increased Risk

New research links specific depressive symptoms in middle age to an increased risk of developing dementia.

Researchers at University College London (UCL) analyzed data from 5,811 individuals over 23 years and found that 6 specific symptoms are associated with an increased risk of dementia.

These symptoms are:

• Loss of self-confidence
• Inability to cope with problems
• Lack of warmth and affection towards others
• Constant nervousness and tension
• Dissatisfaction with how tasks are performed
• Difficulty concentrating

The study, published in Lancet Psychiatry, showed that loss of self-confidence is associated with a 51% increased risk, inability to cope with problems with 49%, and lack of emotional warmth with 44%.

The researchers emphasize that it is not depression as a whole that is linked to dementia, but specific symptoms. Early recognition of these symptoms may contribute to prevention.

Dr. Philipp Frank from UCL stated that the symptom-level approach gives a clearer picture of who may be more vulnerable.