People experiencing homelessness are more likely to develop dementia at younger ages, a new study finds. The research, conducted by Lawson Health Research Institute and ICES, compared dementia prevalence in homeless individuals with the general population and people living in low-income neighborhoods in Ontario, Canada.
The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, revealed that dementia in unhoused people was 1.9 times greater than in the general population, particularly among age groups younger than 85 years. Lead author Dr. Richard Booth, from ICES and Lawson Health Research Institute, highlighted the significant difference in dementia prevalence, especially between the ages of 55 to 64 years.
Dr. Booth emphasized the strong link between homelessness and accelerated aging, suggesting it as a potential reason for the earlier onset of the disease. Using a prevalence ratio, the researchers found that within the ages of 55–74 years, rates of dementia were 4 to 5 times higher than the general population and 3 to 3.5 times higher than the low-income group. The study also found a higher dementia prevalence in all age groups younger than 85 years among people experiencing homelessness, irrespective of gender.
Additionally, the study highlighted that unhoused individuals were younger on average, less likely to be female, and less likely to live in rural areas compared to the other two groups. They also exhibited higher rates of health conditions associated with dementia, such as head trauma, neurological conditions, HIV, and mental health and substance use disorders.
After adjusting for factors such as age, sex, residential area, and health conditions, the prevalence ratio for people experiencing homelessness was 1.7 times higher compared to the low-income group, and 1.9 times higher compared to the general population. Dr. Booth stressed the potential impact of these findings, especially considering the projected increase in homelessness rates among older adults by 2030. He suggested that unhoused individuals should be screened for dementia at younger ages, rather than waiting until age 65 as many guidelines currently recommend.
The researchers also acknowledged the complexity of diagnosing dementia in individuals experiencing multiple chronic health conditions, as cognitive symptoms can overlap. They emphasized the need for early screening and intervention in this vulnerable population.
