Stress can be an indirect factor in causing young onset dementia.
Stress may contribute to young onset dementia
Although dementia typically affects those above 65 years old, the youngest patient at the National Neurological Institute (NNI), a member of the SingHealth group, is 48 years old, according to Dr Nagaendran Kandiah, Senior Consultant, Department of Neurology, National Neuroscience Institute (NNI).
The patient suffers from young onset dementia, which can affect those between 40 and 65.
“This is worrying because younger patients are more economically active and, in their case, there’s a bigger social impact,” said Dr Nagaendran.
He said the cause of young onset dementia is not fully known but stress could be an indirect factor.
“When someone feels stressed, his diet is affected and he exercises less often. This can lead to other health conditions such as diabetes and high cholesterol that can cause strokes which, in turn, lead to dementia.”
Alzheimer's disease
Vascular dementia (dementia caused by strokes)
Parkinson disease (PD) with dementia
Fronto temporal dementia
Ref: S13
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