Comparative analysis of the burden of young-onset and late-onset dementia in China from 1990 to 2021: A study based on GBD 2021 data

In recent years, YOD has exhibited a more rapid increase compared to LOD, with its driving forces gradually shifting from population-related factors to epidemiological transitions. This highlights the need to strengthen identification and intervention strategies targeting younger and middle-aged populations. Tobacco use, high fasting plasma glucose, and high BMI are key modifiable risk factors shared by both YOD and LOD, with particular attention needed on the sustained impact of high BMI. Although international disparities in health inequality are not pronounced, China still holds considerable potential for improvement in the prevention and control of both YOD and LOD. Future interventions should be more forward-looking, systematic, and tailored to specific population groups.