The Lancet: homeless people are more likely to develop dementia at a young age

Researchers from the University of West London have found that dementia is not only more common among people who are homeless, but is also more likely to develop in homeless people at a younger age. The results of the study are published in The Lancet Public Health.

During the study, scientists compared the prevalence of dementia among people who were homeless and low-income citizens living in disadvantaged areas of Ontario (Canada). It turned out that the disease was 1.9 times more common in people who were homeless.

In addition, homeless people were prone to early dementia. After adjusting for age, gender, area of residence and health status, it was found that dangerous cognitive decline between the ages of 55 and 74 was 1.7 times more common in them compared to the rest of the population and 1.9 times more common than in low-income residents.

Researchers suggested that these results were associated with a high incidence of head injuries, neurological diseases, HIV, drug and alcohol dependence, and mental disorders in people without a permanent residence.

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