Ground-breaking research identifies 15 factors that significantly raise chance of developing illness

Alcohol misuse, coming from a lower socioeconomic background, loneliness and having a hearing impairment are among 15 factors found to significantly increase the risk of early-onset dementia, according to a “groundbreaking” study.

Almost 4 million people worldwide experience dementia symptoms before they are 65, with 370,000 people newly diagnosed each year.

While previous research has found that lifestyle changes can cut the risk of dementia among older people, the authors of the new study said this was the first finding that suggested the risk of early-onset dementia could be reduced in the same way.