Clustering and Additive Effects of Nongenetic Risk Factors in Non–Autosomal-Dominant Degenerative and Vascular Young Onset Dementia

Introduction:
Both genetic and nongenetic factors contribute to the risk profile of young onset dementia (YOD), but risk factors often co-occur. This matched case-control study examined whether nongenetic risk factors cluster together, to inform targeted prevention efforts.
Methods:
Ninety-six participants with non–autosomal-dominant degenerative and/or vascular YOD and 175 controls were recruited to 2 Australian epidemiological studies. Risk exposure was retrospectively self-reported and/or informant-reported.
Results:
Each additional exposure increased the risk for YOD, though only where vascular dementia was included in the analysis. Cluster analysis identified 4 risk groups, one of which reported a high probability of exposure to all risks and a significantly higher risk for YOD.
Discussion:
Results suggest that combinations of nongenetic risk factors confer more…

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