A recent investigation focused on early-onset dementia among working-age individuals in Finland.
A significant study conducted by the University of Eastern Finland, the University of Oulu, and Neurocenter Finland examined early-onset dementia in Finland’s working-age demographic. This study cohort is one of the largest globally recorded, and the findings were published on July 24th, 2024 in Neurology®, the official journal of the American Academy of Neurology.
Information on early-onset dementia cases is currently limited and often relies on small datasets, with a lack of recent information from Finland. For this study, researchers scrutinized patient data records from Kuopio and Oulu University Hospitals spanning from 2010 to 2021. They evaluated all cases of dementia diagnosed in working-age patients during that time. Both the incidence, which reflects new cases, and prevalence, which indicates the total number of diagnosed individuals, were assessed. A total of 12,490 patient records were reviewed and sorted into diagnostic categories based on standardized criteria. Given that these two hospitals account for nearly all early-onset dementia diagnoses in their regions, the data collected is exceptionally reliable.
Higher reported incidence of early-onset dementia
The research uncovered higher rates of early-onset dementia than what has been recorded in international studies. In individuals aged 30-64 years, the incidence was found to be 20.5 cases per 100,000 person-years, increasing to 33.7 cases per 100,000 person-years for those aged 45-64 years. Alzheimer’s disease constituted the largest group (48%), followed by frontotemporal dementia disorders (23%) and Lewy body disorders (6%). These figures surpass those in previous smaller studies from other nations.
“The elevated incidence rates found in our research may stem from our methodology, which enabled us to capture almost all early-onset dementia cases from the study regions. Additionally, increased awareness regarding dementia among both the public and healthcare professionals in Finland could also lead to a greater number of diagnosed instances,” states Associate Professor Eino Solje of the University of Eastern Finland, who is the principal investigator of the study.
“One of the strengths of our research is the thorough retrospective examination of patient charts to ensure correct diagnoses and to account for any that may have changed during the follow-up period,” Solje adds.
The researchers noted that within the working-age group, incidents of Alzheimer’s disease consistently rose, while other forms of dementia showed no significant changes.
“The rate of Alzheimer’s disease nearly doubled. This cannot be solely attributed to improved diagnostics and earlier treatment seeking, as increases in other dementia types were not observed,” comments Docent Johanna Krüger, another principal investigator of the study at the University of Oulu and the first author of the article.
A new approach to collaboration
This study marks the beginning of a larger project that integrates a wide array of real-world patient data with various registries.
The initiative showcases a unique collaboration between the University of Oulu and the University of Eastern Finland, cutting across different scientific fields, including medicine and law.
“By merging extensive patient data with varied registries, we elevate the standard of our scientific inquiry. For example, we observe that data derived from meticulously analyzed patient charts produce markedly different results compared to data based solely on registries,” remarks Professor Mikko Aaltonen from the University of Eastern Finland’s Law School.
The project is also being managed innovatively. Funding is provided by corporate partners, who also participate in discussions within the scientific steering committee, coordinated by Neurocenter Finland.
“This model allows for the mobilization of private sector resources to support scientific projects aimed at collective benefit. With Neurocenter Finland overseeing the collaboration between stakeholders, researchers can focus more intently on addressing scientific challenges,” explains Eero Rissanen, the Director of Neurocenter Finland.
