Shock Diagnosis: Football Legend Reveals Hidden Dangers of Early-Onset Dementia

• EXPLORE FURTHER: Researchers Uncover How Excessive Alcohol Consumption Can Double Dementia Risk

Burnley football legend Andy Payton is encouraging individuals in their middle years to undergo checks for early indicators of young-onset dementia after an unexpected diagnosis.

The ex-striker, who is 57 years old, had been experiencing headaches and memory problems, leading to a brain scan earlier this year. This followed the diagnosis of dementia in his previous teammate, Dean Windass, at age 56 back in January.

Diagnosing the condition before the age of 65 is classified as early-onset dementia, with approximately one in every ten instances being attributed to genetic factors, as stated by medical sources. Alzheimer's Research UK.

It may also be initiated by non-genetic elements like traumatic brain injury, significant brain damage resulting from a stroke, or excessive exposure. alcohol use.

Even though the prevalence of this condition is increasing, specialists caution that young individuals generally do not recognize the distinctive indicators associated with it.

According to Charity Dementia UK, over 70,800 individuals below the age of 65 are affected by younger-onset dementia, marking an increase of 69 percent from what was recorded in 2014.

Speaking to The Observer Mr. Payton stated, "My aim is to increase awareness for the former players and assist others as well. This is why I am here. I simply want to encourage these guys to go and get themselves examined."

The football coach encountered the typical signs of dementia such as forgetfulness, memory loss, and headaches prior to seeking a medical evaluation.

He stated: "It's genuinely terrifying because you can anticipate exactly what's heading your way."

"The neurologist who examined my scans mentioned that there are 68 pathways in the brain, and out of those, 27 have been affected in mine. Additionally, they noted that my brain has slightly decreased in size," he stated.

Mr. Payton mentioned that the neurologist informed him without any doubt that the injuries were due to his involvement in football, emphasizing the danger associated with repeated hits to the head.

The ex-striker, who played more than 500 matches throughout his career, stated: "Brain scans do not deceive. A portion of my brain was harmed, which clarified why I had been experiencing these issues."

Although scientists haven't determined all the causes just yet, experts have recognized at least 14 risk factors associated with lifestyle that can impact the brain, thereby heightening the likelihood of early-onset dementia.

These include high blood pressure , alcohol consumption, Type 2 diabetes, and obesity.

In the Lancet Commission report released last year, experts wrote that although it remains uncertain which risk factors might be more significant than others, it is reasonable to assume that the sooner an individual encounters these risk factors and the longer they are subjected to them, the more substantial the harm accumulated within their brain becomes.

"If you develop conditions like type 2 diabetes and hypertension at an early age and fail to control them, you will inflict harm on your heart and the blood vessels supplying your brain more quickly," said Professor Robert Howard from University College London.

'This might lead to developing vascular dementia at an earlier stage and could potentially accelerate the mechanisms that result in Alzheimer’s. However, it is a complicated illness with numerous potential contributing factors interacting together—no single element can be blamed for bringing about its onset earlier in your lifetime.'

Importantly, addressing these risk factors allows you to lower your chances of encountering them.

Dr. Scott Chiesa from University College London’s Institute of Cardiovascular Science notes, "There is a strong possibility that decreasing exposure to risk factors could influence dementia outcomes—this includes both mitigating early stages of the condition as well as lowering the likelihood of developing it further down the line."

Could you potentially face early-onset disease – and if yes, how should you respond to it? Consider this essential information...

Are you still smoking? There's no better time to stop than now.

Approximately two percent of all dementia cases could potentially be associated with smoking, and this habit might specifically lead to early-onset dementia in males, according to research findings.

However, quitting can remove that danger entirely.

A comprehensive research involving millions of individuals discovered that although smokers face a 30 percent higher risk of developing dementia, those who have stopped smoking do not exhibit this heightened danger. This suggests that quitting cigarettes can be beneficial at any stage.

Those who quit smoking even at the age of 60 can anticipate adding approximately three more years to their life expectancy.

Seek assistance if you're struggling with alcohol.

The research is clear: drinking more than 21 units a week is associated with an 18 per cent increased risk of dementia, and a lower volume of grey matter in the brain, compared with people drinking fewer than 14 units.

But the biggest risk for early-onset disease is having an alcohol use disorder – being dependent on alcohol, or being unable to stop drinking when you start.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), among the initial ones focusing explicitly on risk factors for young-onset dementia, surprisingly revealed that individuals consuming alcohol heavily or moderately were less likely to experience early onset of dementia compared to those who did not consume alcohol at all or those with an established dependency on alcohol.

This is because individuals who have ceased consuming alcohol might have previously struggled with an alcohol issue—whereas those who continue to drink in moderation often remain socially active, which can aid in preventing the illness.

If you think you might have an issue with alcohol, consult your General Practitioner or reach out to Alcoholics Anonymous for guidance and assistance.

No matter how much alcohol you consume, reducing your intake might lower your health risks. Research shows that many individuals who decided to abstain from drinking for several days each week experienced improvements in cognitive function—even those struggling with mental sharpness and recall—and decreased their chances of developing dementia further down the line.

Get together with buddies (or rivals)

Maintaining social connections—be it having a cup of coffee with a friend or simply going shopping—is crucial for keeping your mind stimulated and lively.

The research published in JAMA revealed that individuals who met with friends or relatives just once per month or less frequently had a significantly higher likelihood of experiencing early-onset dementia than those who maintained such contacts more regularly.

In general, studies indicate that individuals experiencing isolation elevate their likelihood of developing dementia by 60 percent. Similarly, being single or having lost one’s spouse is recognized as a considerable contributing element.

While the specific causes remain uncertain, it is believed to be associated with reduced stimulation of the brain, leading to decreased resilience against aging effects.

However, participating in any form of social activity might be beneficial. You don’t necessarily have to enjoy the company; simply being around others can provide protection.

If hearing poses a challenge for you, consider using a hearing aid.

Younger adults are less likely to need a hearing aid – but if your hearing does get worse, make sure you get it tested.

With each 10 dB decrease in auditory capability, our likelihood of developing dementia can increase by as much as 24 percent.

Some studies indicate that hearing loss might have an even stronger connection with early-onset dementia compared to late-life dementia.

The reason remains uncertain, yet experts think it robs the brain of essential sensory input and may reduce our social interactions while increasing isolation. Research indicates that when hearing impairment persists, the brain tends to shrink in areas associated with memory, specifically the temporal lobes.

New findings indicate that utilizing hearing aids decreases the likelihood of cognitive decline by 19 percent and the chance of developing dementia by 17 percent.

Many high-street opticians and pharmacies provide hearing assessments – and these services are typically free.

Seek assistance if you feel depressed.

Depression serves as a risk factor for dementia regardless of age, yet studies indicate that it might have an even stronger association with early-onset dementia.

The positive aspect is that addressing it will lower that risk.

A significant British research project discovered that individuals who used antidepressants or received therapy exhibited approximately a twenty-five percent lower likelihood of developing dementia compared to those who did not seek treatment. For people who underwent both treatments, the risk reduction was more pronounced at thirty-eight percent.

Get rid of those additional kilos, particularly if you identify as female.

In the UK, nearly two-thirds of adults are either overweight or obese, and substantial evidence indicates that excessive body weight raises the risk of developing dementia.

A recent Lancet study indicated that a high Body Mass Index (BMI) significantly contributed to the incidence of diseases at younger ages, with women being notably affected.

However, you don't have to shed large quantities of weight to enjoy the advantages; research indicates that losing just 2 kilograms can lead to enhanced cognitive function after half a year.

Early indications suggest that weight loss injections like Wegovy might also enhance cognitive function and lower the risk of dementia.

Keep blood pressure low

Approximately one in every ten individuals in the UK is believed to have type 2 diabetes, and around one million of them remain oblivious to their increased risk.

This condition arises due to an overabundance of bodily fat, which increases glucose levels in the bloodstream, resulting in harm to the intricate system of capillaries within the brain.

The sooner this condition develops, the greater the harm it inflicts and the higher the likelihood of dementia. Some studies indicate that elevated blood sugar levels pose an especially significant risk for early-onset dementia among men.

It remains uncertain whether treatments can lower the risk for individuals diagnosed with diabetes. However, a recent study indicated that people with diabetes using Ozempic experienced a reduction in their likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease by 40% to 70%, as opposed to those taking different anti-diabetes medications.

However, the most effective method to safeguard yourself is by maintaining a healthy weight and preventing type 2 diabetes from occurring at all.

Have your blood pressure measured

In the UK, one out of every three individuals suffers from hypertension, with approximately half remaining unaware as it typically presents no signs.

However, it may lead to heart attacks and strokes and can harm the small blood vessels supplying the brain — thereby increasing the risk of dementia.

Extensive research has demonstrated that having high blood pressure between the ages of 40 and 65 substantially increases your likelihood of developing dementia.

However, assessments of the available evidence indicate that blood pressure-lowering medications decrease the likelihood of developing both dementia and cognitive decline.

Strive to maintain your systolic blood pressure – the higher of the two measurements – under 130mmHg starting at age 40.

Reduce your cholesterol

Around seven per cent of dementia cases are thought to be linked to high cholesterol – and some studies have found high levels of ‘bad’ cholesterol, known as LDL, are linked with young onset Alzheimer’s disease.

Over 30 million adults have the condition, which causes fat to build up in the blood and arteries and often goes undiagnosed because it has no symptoms.

It is associated with several severe illnesses – such as heart attacks, strokes, and dementia, which was reported last year.

However, resolving this is quite simple. Adopting a nutritious, well-balanced diet that includes less saturated fat along with regular physical activity can be beneficial. Should these measures prove ineffective, statins have been shown to be very efficient in lowering cholesterol levels.

This will lower your chances of developing heart disease along with dementia.

Consult your doctor for a cholesterol check and have it repeated at least annually.

Stay active

Experts claim that what benefits the heart is equally beneficial for the brain. Engaging in any type of physical activity can lower your chance of developing dementia by 20 percent — this not only boosts blood circulation but also decreases blood pressure, reduces inflammation, and enhances the adaptability of your brain.

Even minimal efforts matter, such as taking a walk, tending to your garden, or going for a swim. However, performing these activities outdoors might yield additional advantages since research suggests that low levels of vitamin D—the 'sunshine' vitamin produced by our bodies when exposed to sunlight—may increase the risk of early-onset dementia.

The evidence indicates that the decrease in risk is most significant for individuals who do not exercise but begin to engage in physical activity.

It's possible that this impact could specifically target dementia rather than being solely linked to cardiovascular well-being. Preliminary research indicates that irisin, a substance produced when we work out, might safeguard our brain function.

Avoid busy roads

The greater your exposure to air pollutants like vehicle emissions and wood stove smoke, the higher your risk becomes.

Evidence suggests that the minuscule particles within them can reach the brain, yet it remains uncertain at what point these levels become problematic.

Some theorists suggest that magnetite, an iron compound released into the atmosphere through the combustion of fuels, could play a role in the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.

Anti-pollution masks used by certain cyclists aren't very effective unless they fit snugly. However, opting for side streets instead of busy thoroughfares can significantly improve air quality exposure.

Online air quality maps can inform you about which streets have the highest pollution levels.

Cycling? Wear a helmet

Even slight bumps to the head could prove fatal many years afterward.

A UK study just last month found sports-related concussions could make people more prone to neurological diseases including dementia.

But any bash to the head from a fall to a car accident increases the risk of dementia. And that effect builds up. The more knocks you have, the worse your risk.

A Scottish research revealed that ex-footballers faced over triple the danger, with defenders exhibiting the most significant risk due to their frequent use of heading the ball.

Jeff Astle, who previously played for both England and West Bromwich Albion as a footballer, was diagnosed with dementia in his forties and passed away in 2002 at the age of 59.

The recommendation is to wear a helmet when biking and refrain from heading soccer balls.

Sort out your vision

Having difficulty with your eyesight is associated with an increased risk of dementia.

Individuals who do not address their eyesight issues during their later middle age face a 47 percent higher chance of developing dementia, according to research findings.

The evidence indicates that individuals who undergo cataract removal—a straightforward procedure involving replacing the clouded lens of the eye with an artificial one—significantly lower their risk of developing this particular brain disease when compared to those who do not have the surgery.

Even though it remains uncertain whether changing your eyeglass prescription has an impact, experts argue that it is logically sensible to keep it updated.

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