The risk of dementia is rising rapidly across the globe. According to a report by the Alzheimer's Association, more than 55 million people worldwide suffer from dementia, with a new case emerging every 3 to 4 seconds. Over 60% of these cases occur in low- and middle-income countries.

Dementia is a group of conditions that affect brain function. It leads to difficulties with memory, thinking abilities, and language skills, making it hard to perform daily tasks. While it is commonly believed that the disease affects people over the age of 60–65, data indicates that younger individuals are also falling victim to it. Could you be at risk too?

Scientists in Finland have reported that symptoms of early-onset dementia (dementia occurring before age 65) begin to appear as early as 10 to 15 years before a formal diagnosis. Most surprisingly, the condition affects not only memory but also manifests in one's work performance. Let us explore how you can identify the signs.

Symptoms of early-onset dementia appear at work.

Doctors advise caution if you find yourself unable to work as effectively as before, start forgetting minor details, lose track of meeting times, or find tasks you have performed for years suddenly difficult; these could be early warning signs of dementia.

Experts note that while occasional lapses might be due to stress, lack of sleep, or work pressure, a persistent issue should not be taken lightly. A steady decline in work performance is not merely a career issue; it could be an early indicator of a serious brain-related disorder.

What did the study reveal?

Researchers analyzed data from approximately 800 patients and 7,000 healthy individuals. The findings revealed that individuals who later developed early-onset dementia had begun experiencing difficulties at work—compared to their colleagues—years before the diagnosis.

Experts state that identifying dementia at a younger age is challenging because doctors often do not consider it a likely possibility during the early stages. Consequently, it can take years for patients to receive an accurate diagnosis. During this period, the disease progresses silently, profoundly affecting the individual's employment, financial stability, family life, and mental health.

What do the experts say?

Neurologist Dr. Eino Solje, who led the research, notes that early-onset dementia affects people during the most active and productive years of their lives—their peak earning years.

It reduces work capacity, can lead to unemployment, and forces many to leave their jobs prematurely.

The impact extends beyond the patient; the entire family's income may decline, and there are broader economic consequences for society.

The study indicates that the social and economic toll of early-onset dementia begins years before the condition is formally diagnosed.

Pay close attention to these signs.

Many patients report that they first noticed early symptoms of the disease while at work, where they faced various challenges, such as:

Frequently forgetting meetings, appointments, or important dates.

Struggling to perform routine tasks they had previously handled with ease.

Difficulty concentrating.

Trouble fully understanding conversations or following the flow of a discussion.

As the disease progresses, symptoms such as mood swings, confusion, and unfounded suspicions regarding family or friends may also appear.

Why is this issue on the rise?

According to scientists, the exact cause of early-onset dementia remains unclear. It is estimated that approximately one in ten patients carries genes that may increase the risk of developing the disease. Individuals with a family history of the condition may face a higher risk. Additionally, brain injury resulting from a stroke at a young age or long-term, excessive alcohol consumption can also increase the risk of this disease.

Doctors diagnose the condition based on the patient's symptoms, memory, cognitive abilities, and other assessments. Some patients continue working for several years after the diagnosis is confirmed, while others are forced to leave their jobs. However, on average, patients with early-onset dementia survive for about nine years following the diagnosis.

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