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There are many risk factors for early-onset dementia, but new research has narrowed down the list to just 15.

A study conducted by the University of Exeter and Maastricht University, published in JAMA Neurology, looked at the different key factors associated with early-onset dementia and determined which ones among them made the biggest difference in hastening the onset of the condition among patients below 65 years old.

Analyzing data from over 350,000 participants under the age of 65 across the United Kingdom, researchers delved into the field of young-onset dementia, which typically manifests before the age of 65. They eventually identified 15 common factors contributing to the early onset of the condition, encompassing both genetic predispositions and modifiable lifestyle elements.

Dr. Kevin Bickart, an assistant professor in neurology at the University of California Los Angeles Health's David Geffen School of Medicine, pointed out the significance of their study, noting its novel approach in examining young-onset dementia risk factors. He also emphasized the study's extensive sample size and meticulous data collection, spanning from healthy baseline assessments to dementia diagnosis.

"[Our study] looks at young-onset dementia risk factors in a way that has only been done in late-onset dementias previously," Bickart was quoted as saying by HuffPost.

The 15 common risk factors listed by the study are as follows:

• Social isolation
• Lower formal education
• Lower socioeconomic status
• Carrying two copies of the APOE gene (a marker that influences Alzheimer's risk)
• Vitamin D deficiency
• Hearing impairment
• Alcohol use disorder
• No alcohol use (abstinence)
• Depression
• High C-reactive protein levels
• Lower handgrip strength (physical frailty)
• Orthostatic hypotension (a form of low blood pressure)
• Stroke
• Diabetes
• Heart disease

Despite certain risk factors beyond individual control, the study advocates for lifestyle modifications to mitigate the likelihood of early-onset dementia. These include regular physical exercise, adoption of a Mediterranean-based diet rich in neuroprotective nutrients and engagement in cognitive, mood and social stimulation activities.

Dr. Arman Fesharaki-Zadeh, assistant professor of psychiatry and neurology at the Yale School of Medicine, shared some recommendations via HuffPost in response to the new study.

The expert stressed the importance of proactive measures in reducing dementia risk and the multifaceted benefits of physical exercise in promoting neurocognitive function and advocated for dietary practices abundant in neuroprotective elements.

"An active daily exercise practice can have far-reaching benefits, which include enhanced neurocognitive function," Fesharaki-Zadeh said before suggesting the Mediterranean diet, adding, "Such dietary practice, which includes food groups such as green leafy vegetables, olive oil, salmon and blueberries, is rich in vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as antioxidants -- all neuroprotective factors."