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A recent study has revealed a potential early indicator of dementia: inflammation in the joints during one's 20s and 30s.

According to researchers, elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood-a marker of inflammation-could be linked to cognitive decline in later life. This discovery underscores the importance of early intervention in maintaining brain health.

The study, conducted by the American Academy of Neurology, found that higher levels of CRP were associated with a greater risk of cognitive impairments in middle age. Symptoms of inflammation include joint pain, stiffness, digestive problems, and fatigue.

Dr. Kristine Yaffe, a lead author from the University of California, noted that consistent high or moderate inflammation from early adulthood could negatively impact one's ability to plan, focus, and manage multiple tasks, as well as slow information processing in middle age.

Over an 18-year period, nearly 2,400 participants were monitored, with their inflammation levels and cognitive skills regularly assessed.

As per Birmingham Live, those with moderate or high inflammation levels showed up to 21% poorer performance on cognitive tests and were approximately twice as likely to exhibit reduced processing speeds.

Dr. Yaffe emphasized the significance of these findings, stating, "Inflammation is important for cognitive ageing and may begin much earlier than previously known. Although current prevention efforts mainly focus on late life, our study provides evidence for the need to also target brain health in middle age."

She called for further research to improve early detection of those at highest risk and to develop effective strategies to delay cognitive aging by addressing inflammation.

Other studies have linked certain diets to inflammation, particularly those high in sugars, cholesterol, and saturated fats. The findings suggest that lifestyle choices in early adulthood could play a crucial role in long-term cognitive health.

The implications of this research are far-reaching, suggesting that proactive measures against inflammation could be essential in preventing dementia. By identifying and mitigating inflammation early, people may have a better chance of maintaining cognitive function into their later years.

Overall, this study highlights the urgent need for awareness and intervention strategies focused on young adults to combat the potential onset of dementia.