People diagnosed with early-onset dementia had reduced work productivity up to 15 years before diagnosis, according to a study published in Neurology. Researchers also found the number of years of lower productivity varied depending on the type of dementia.
Early-onset dementia is when someone younger than 65 is diagnosed with any type of dementia. The study does not prove that having early-onset dementia lowers productivity in the years prior; it only shows an association.
"Early-onset dementia affects people during their most productive years and is associated with a decreased ability to work, increased unemployment and leaving jobs sooner than planned," said study author Eino Solje, MD, Ph.D., of the University of Eastern Finland in Kuopio.
"These changes can reduce household income and contribute to broader economic impact. Our study found an association between reduced work productivity and early-onset dementia up to 15 years before diagnosis."
How the researchers measured losses
