Early-onset Alzheimer's: Here's how stress, pollution, high sugar diet contribute to poor brain health

One of the primary contributors to early-onset Alzheimer's disease is genetics. (Image: Canva)

Alzheimer's disease, traditionally associated with the elderly, is increasingly being diagnosed in younger adults. Known as early-onset Alzheimer's, this condition affects people who are in their 40s and 50s, much earlier than the usual age of onset in those over 65. This growing trend is concerning, as it signals a shift in how the disease develops and affects different populations. Dr Kapil Agarwal, Senior Consultant and Head of the Department of Neurology at Marengo Asia Hospital, Gurugram, emphasises that this trend is not just a result of genetic predisposition but also involves environmental and lifestyle influences. By addressing these factors early, it may be possible to mitigate the growing impact of this debilitating disease on younger generations.

Genetic factors and the role of the APOE gene

One of the primary contributors to early-onset Alzheimer's disease is genetics. Research has identified the APOE (Apolipoprotein E) gene as a significant risk factor for Alzheimer's, especially in younger adults. Dr Agarwal explains that when the APOE gene is defective, it can accelerate brain degeneration, causing premature neuronal cell death.

However, genetics alone cannot account for the increasing number of early-onset Alzheimer's cases. Other factors, particularly environmental and lifestyle influences, play a critical role in the early development of the disease.

Environmental factors: Pollution and toxins

Environmental factors have come under scrutiny as potential contributors to the rise of Alzheimer's in younger people. According to Dr Agarwal, issues like air pollution, soil contamination, and the widespread use of chemicals in food are increasingly being linked to cognitive decline. Over time, exposure to these pollutants can cause oxidative stress in the brain, which leads to the gradual damage of brain cells.

Oxidative stress occurs when the body is overwhelmed by free radicals and unstable molecules that can damage cells, including those in the brain. This process is believed to contribute to neurodegeneration, a hallmark of Alzheimer's disease. The accumulation of environmental toxins can exacerbate this process, speeding up brain cell damage and increasing the risk of early-onset Alzheimer's.

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Moreover, the modern world’s reliance on processed foods, which often contain preservatives and artificial ingredients, also contributes to poor brain health. These additives can increase inflammation and oxidative damage in the brain, further elevating the risk of cognitive decline in younger adults.

The impact of lifestyle: Stress, social isolation, and poor diet

Modern lifestyle choices are another major factor contributing to the rising trend of Alzheimer's in younger adults. Today’s fast-paced world places enormous mental stress on individuals, particularly younger generations. High-pressure careers, smaller family units, and limited social support have become common, leading to chronic stress. Over time, this persistent stress can damage the hippocampus, the brain region responsible for memory and learning. As stress levels rise, the brain’s ability to function optimally declines, accelerating the onset of cognitive issues.

Social isolation, exacerbated by the digital age, is another contributing factor. In previous generations, larger family structures and community interactions provided social stimulation that kept the brain active and healthy. Today, many younger adults spend more time alone, engaging in digital interactions rather than face-to-face connections. This lack of social engagement deprives the brain of necessary stimulation, which can accelerate brain ageing and increase the risk of Alzheimer's.

Additionally, sedentary lifestyles and poor dietary habits have become more prevalent. Younger adults are consuming more processed foods and leading less active lives, which contributes to obesity, cardiovascular issues, and overall poor health—all of which are risk factors for Alzheimer's. A diet high in sugar and unhealthy fats can lead to inflammation and oxidative stress, further damaging brain cells and increasing the likelihood of early cognitive decline.