Burnley football legend Andy Payton is urging middle-aged people to get checked for the warning signs of early-onset dementia, after a shocking diagnosis.
The former striker, 57, had been suffering from headaches and memory loss for some time, which led him to undergo a brain scan earlier this year, following the diagnosis of his former teammate, Dean Windass, with dementia in January, aged 56.
A diagnosis of this disease under the age of 65 is considered early-onset dementia, which in one in ten cases has a genetic cause, according to Alzheimer's Research UK.
It can also be caused by non-genetic factors, such as traumatic brain injuries, severe post-stroke injuries, or excessive alcohol consumption.
Despite cases being on the rise, experts warn that young people are largely uninformed about the unique warning signs of this condition.
According to Dementia UK, more than 70,800 people under the age of 65 are living with early-onset dementia, a 69% increase since 2014.
Speaking to The Observer, Mr Payton said:
"I want to raise awareness for former players and help others. That's why I'm here. I just want the guys to go and get checked."
He was experiencing common symptoms of dementia, such as forgetfulness, memory loss, and headaches, before receiving the diagnosis.
He added:
"It's terribly scary, because you know what awaits you next" – GazetaExpress reports.
The neurologist who performed his brain scan told him that out of 68 brain tracts, 27 were damaged, and also that his brain had shrunk slightly.
According to Payton, the neurologist had no doubt that the injuries were caused by repeated blows to the head during the game of football.
The former striker, who made over 500 appearances in his career, said:
"A brain scan doesn't lie. Half of my brain is damaged, which explains how I was feeling."
Although scientists are not yet sure about the causes of this increase, experts have identified at least 14 lifestyle-related risk factors that may influence the development of early-onset dementia.
These include:
High blood pressure
High alcohol consumption
Type 2 diabetes
Obesity
According to the Lancet Commission report published last year, it is not yet clear whether some factors are more important than others, but "it is logical" that the earlier you are exposed to these factors - and the longer they last - the greater the brain damage will be.
Professor Robert Howard from University College London explains:
"If you develop, for example, type 2 diabetes and hypertension early and don't treat it, it will damage the heart and the vascular network that supplies the brain. This can lead to the earlier development of vascular dementia, and perhaps accelerate the processes that cause Alzheimer's."
The good news is that by treating these risk factors, the risk of the disease can be reduced.
Dr. Scott Chiesa from the Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences at UCL adds:
"We believe it is very likely that reducing exposure to risk factors could have an impact on dementia – either in preventing the disease early, or in reducing the likelihood of it occurring later."
Are you at risk of early-onset dementia – and what you can do to prevent it?
🟩 Still smoking? It's never too late to quit
About 2% of dementia cases are linked to smoking. But quitting smoking eliminates the risk. Even if you quit at age 60, you can gain 3 more years of life.
🟨 Do you have a problem with alcohol? Get help
Alcohol use over 21 units per week increases the risk of dementia by 18%, while alcohol dependence is the greatest risk for the early form of the disease.
🟦 Meet friends (or even enemies!)
Social isolation increases dementia risk by 60%. Even interacting with people you don't like can help preserve brain function.
🟧 Hearing problems? Get a hearing aid
Every 10 dB decrease in hearing increases the risk of dementia by up to 24%. Poor hearing is associated with shrinkage of the temporal lobe of the brain – an area associated with memory.
🟥 Feeling stressed? Seek treatment
Treating depression (with therapy or medication) can reduce the risk of dementia by up to 38%.
🟫 Lose weight – especially if you are a woman
Obesity is a significant factor, especially for women. Even losing just 2 kg has been shown to improve memory within 6 months.
🟨 Check your blood pressure and sugar
High blood pressure and type 2 diabetes are strongly linked to dementia, especially when they develop at a young age. Keeping these factors under control significantly reduces the risk.
🟩 Lower cholesterol
High cholesterol, especially LDL ("bad cholesterol"), increases the risk of dementia. A healthy diet, physical activity, and, if necessary, statins, are effective ways to lower it.
🟦 Do physical activity
Any form of movement (walking, gardening, swimming) reduces the risk of dementia by 20%. Physical activity increases circulation, improves brain plasticity, and reduces inflammation.
🟥 Avoid roads with high pollution
Polluted air can contain particles that can penetrate the brain. Avoid major roads, and use online air quality maps to find the cleanest routes.
🟫 Do you ride a bike? Wear a helmet.
Even minor blows to the head, through accidents or sports like football, increase the risk of neurological diseases. Helmets are essential.
🟧 Problems with your vision? Visit an ophthalmologist
Untreated vision problems can increase the risk of dementia by 47%. Replacing glasses or having cataract surgery can bring great benefits. /GazetaExpress/
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