Lancet Reg Health Am

Alzheimer's risk factors linked to cognitive patterns seen as young as age 24

April 25, 2025

Study details: This population-based study examined Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factors and cognitive decline before middle age in a representative sample of U.S. adults. Researchers used the Cardiovascular Risk Factors, Aging, and Incidence of Dementia (CAIDE) score, which includes age, education, sex, systolic blood pressure, BMI, cholesterol, physical activity, and APOE ε4 allele. Data were from Waves IV and V of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health study, tracking adolescents since 1994-1995. About half of Wave IV participants were female, and >70% were White.

Results: AD risk profiles appear before middle age, showing early cognitive patterns that may predict later decline. Cardiovascular, amyloid tau neurodegenerative, and immune biomarkers are common in individuals before middle age and may influence early cognitive function. APOE ε4 status didn’t significantly associate with cognition in this age group, consistent with prior findings that it’s less predictive in younger populations.

Clinical impact: Early lifestyle changes can significantly improve long-term cognitive health and reduce the burden of AD in the population. Prioritize preventive measures, such as promoting physical activity, smoking cessation, and managing hypertension, obesity, and diabetes.

Source:

Aiello AE, et al. (2025, April 5). Lancet Reg Health Am. Risk factors for Alzheimer's disease and cognitive function before middle age in a U.S. representative population-based study. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40242320/