Study identifies early workplace signs of dementia up to 15 years before diagnosis

A new study has found that subtle declines in work performance and income could signal the onset of young-onset dementia years before the condition is formally diagnosed, potentially helping doctors identify the disease at an earlier stage.

Young-onset dementia affects people under the age of 65 and gradually impairs cognitive abilities, influencing both professional and personal life. Diagnosis is often delayed because its early symptoms can resemble everyday stress or other health conditions, and physicians do not typically suspect dementia in younger adults.

The findings come from a study conducted by researchers in Finland, who examined the employment history and earnings of individuals in the years leading up to their diagnosis.

The research followed 793 people with young-onset dementia over a 12-year period before diagnosis. The group included 421 patients with Alzheimer's disease, 179 with frontotemporal dementia, and nearly 200 with other forms of dementia, including vascular dementia.

The researchers compared the patients' records with those of approximately 7,000 healthy individuals of similar age, occupational background, and income level, while accounting for other factors that could influence earnings, such as salary and overall health.

The study found that people who later developed young-onset dementia earned an average of $13,800 less per year than their healthy peers up to 15 years before diagnosis. Researchers estimated that the patients lost nearly $86,000 in wages over the 12-year follow-up period due to declining work capacity.

The findings also showed that individuals with early-onset Alzheimer's began experiencing lower earnings about six years before diagnosis, while those with frontotemporal dementia showed similar declines roughly 11 years before diagnosis.

Dr. Eino Solje, the neurologist who led the study, said young-onset dementia often emerges during the most productive years of a person's career, increasing the risk of reduced work ability, job loss, or early retirement.

He noted that these changes can have lasting economic and social consequences for affected families, adding that the study highlights a long-term link between declining productivity and the development of young-onset dementia.

The researchers stressed that reduced job performance alone should not be considered evidence of dementia. However, they said unusual changes in professional abilities may serve as an early warning sign that warrants further medical evaluation.

Many people diagnosed with young-onset dementia reported that their first symptoms became noticeable at work, including forgetting appointments, struggling with routine tasks, difficulty concentrating, and trouble following conversations.

As the disease progresses, additional symptoms may include mood changes, confusion about time or place, and growing suspicion toward family members or friends.

Although there is currently no cure for young-onset dementia, available treatments may help slow the progression of symptoms and improve patients' quality of life.