A new study has found that people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are at a significantly higher risk of developing early-onset dementia. Researchers presented at the world’s largest dementia conference this week found that adults with autism and other intellectual disabilities were up to three times more likely to have signs of cognitive decline and dementia.
The study, which analyzed data from nearly 800,000 people, also showed that autistic individuals under 50 were 30 percent more likely to be diagnosed with dementia than their neurotypical peers. Another study found that nearly one in three autistic adults exhibited at least two signs of cognitive decline, such as forgetting a word or wandering at night.
Experts suggest that the increased risk may be due to higher rates of other conditions in people with autism, such as depression and diabetes, which can cause damaging inflammation in the brain. Additionally, certain medications, including bladder drugs and Benadryl, may also contribute to the increased risk.
The emerging research comes as one in 31 children in the US now have autism, a staggering increase from about one in 150 in the early 2000s. Experts suspect that the surge is due to better detection and awareness, but some researchers believe environmental toxins, such as pollution and ultra-processed foods, may also be contributing factors.
The findings raise concerns about the growing prevalence of dementia among autistic individuals, which could strike up to 14 million Americans by 2060. The study authors emphasize that early intervention and prevention strategies are essential to address this growing concern.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14945187/surging-autism-increased-risk-dementia-study.html