Many people believe dementia is a disease that affects only the elderly. However, it is increasingly diagnosed in individuals under 65 years old, a condition known as young-onset dementia. New research suggests that one possible cause could be metabolic syndrome — a silent but dangerous disorder of our modern age.
According to a large study published in Neurology (April 2025), people with an increased waist circumference, high blood pressure, elevated triglycerides, low HDL cholesterol, and high blood sugar — all together defining metabolic syndrome — have a significantly higher risk of developing dementia before age 65.
The Study in Numbers
The study followed nearly 2 million people aged 40–60 in South Korea. Over eight years of observation:
- Dementia developed in 0.45% of the total population,
- Among those with metabolic syndrome, the incidence was 0.86 per 1,000 person-years compared to 0.49 in those without the syndrome,
- After adjusting for factors like physical activity, depression, and stroke, the risk of dementia was 24% higher in people with metabolic syndrome.
Interestingly, the risk was more pronounced in women (34%) than men (15%), and higher in people in their 40s than in their 50s.
Each Component Adds Risk
The researchers found that each individual component of metabolic syndrome carries its own risk, and when combined, the risk can increase up to 70%.
For example:
- High blood pressure → increased risk of vascular dementia,
- Blood sugar imbalance → poorer cognitive function,
- Excess visceral fat → inflammatory processes directly affecting the brain.
What Can We Do?
While the study does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship (it does not claim metabolic syndrome causes dementia), the results strongly emphasize the importance of prevention. The authors recommend these steps:
- Healthy diet,
- Regular physical activity,
- Maintaining a healthy weight,
- Quitting smoking,
- Managing stress.
Conclusion
As medicine continues to explore biomarkers and genetic predispositions, one thing is clear: our lifestyle today shapes our cognitive health tomorrow. Dementia doesn’t have to catch us off guard — we can face it armed with a clear prevention strategy.
Source: Jeong-Yoon Lee, Kyungdo Han, Jonguk Kim, Jae-Sung Lim, Dae Young Cheon, Minwoo Lee. Association Between Metabolic Syndrome and Young-Onset Dementia. Neurology, 2025; 104 (10) DOI: 10.1212/WNL.0000000000213599
In line with THE HEALTH FORMULA protocol:
We focus on glycemic control, anti-inflammatory nutrition, regular movement, detoxification, mental hygiene, and targeted supplementation when needed.
Caring for brain health starts long before symptoms appear.
Vitality knows no age when health is guided by knowledge!
