Get smart about early-onset dementia

The average age for onset of dementia in the United States is 84. Unfortunately, there are about 200,000 adults in their 40s, 50s and early 60s who have early-onset dementia — and it interrupts their work and family life in profound ways.

Now, for the first time, researchers have identified a cluster of risk factors associated with developing dementia at a younger age. Using data on around 360,000 people, they discovered that folks who experience low blood pressure when they stand up after sitting or lying down (called orthostatic or postural hypotension) have the highest risk. Other measurable risk factors include depression, alcohol use disorder, stroke, diabetes, heart disease, vitamin D deficiency, impaired hearing, social isolation and elevated inflammatory CRP levels. Carrying two APOE4 alleles — a genetic predisposition — is also a risk.

Even if you have a genetic predisposition, there are many lifestyle choices that can counter your risks.

Some are:

■ Engage with friends and express your gratitude and generosity daily.

■ Wear hearing aids, if needed.

■ Smell four different smells intentionally each day.

■ Have extra virgin olive oil and black coffee daily.

■ Boost vitamin D levels; enjoy salmon and/or and take a supplement of 1,000 IU daily. Then get a blood test to see if you need more. Ditch red and processed meats, added sugars and highly processed foods.

■ Engage in the four components of physical activity — endurance, strength, balance and flexibility — weekly.

■ Do speed-of-processing games and never stop learning.

Salt’s assault

A study in JAMA Network Open looked at around half a million folks’ self-reported use of added salt and discovered that even among healthy people with no heart, kidney or liver disease, adding salt to your food amped up the risk of developing chronic kidney disease substantially. And folks with indications of developing kidney problems and who were inactive fared even worse. The research also showed that folks who added salt to their foods were more likely to have Type 2 diabetes, be overweight and have heart disease.

How to reduce your added salt intake?

■ Ditch overly salted foods, such as chips, canned soups and frozen meals.

■ At home and when eating out, shake herbs and spices on your foods, use hot sauces and emphasize fresh, vivid flavors in place of over-processed ones.