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Updated: Jul 3, 2026
09:17
Using Retinal Imaging to Study Dementia
Published on: November 6, 2017
Early-onset dementia is associated with higher mortality
Esther L G E Koedam1, Yolande A L Pijnenburg, Dorly J H Deeg
1Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. elge.koedam@vumc.nl
Dementia and Geriatric Cognitive Disorders
|August 6, 2008
Summary
Dementia significantly increases mortality risk, particularly in younger individuals. Early-onset dementia poses a substantially higher risk than late-onset dementia when compared to non-demented individuals.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Dementia is a progressive neurological disorder affecting millions worldwide.
- Understanding the differential impact of dementia onset on mortality is crucial for public health.
- Subtyping dementia is essential for accurate risk stratification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare mortality risks between early-onset and late-onset dementia patients and non-demented controls.
- To analyze mortality risks across various dementia subtypes.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 1,203 memory clinic patients was analyzed.
- Patients were categorized into early-onset (<65 years) and late-onset (>=65 years) dementia groups.
- Cox proportional hazard models were employed to assess mortality risks.
Main Results:
- Early-onset dementia showed a markedly elevated mortality risk (HR 43.3) compared to controls.
- Late-onset dementia presented a moderately increased mortality risk (HR 3.4).
- Alzheimer's disease had the most benign course, while Dementia with Lewy bodies, vascular dementia, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and other dementias showed higher mortality risks.
Conclusions:
- Dementia is a significant risk factor for mortality.
- The impact of dementia on mortality is particularly high in younger patients.
- Dementia subtype influences mortality risk, with younger-onset dementias often carrying higher risks.
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