Dementia is the leading cause of death for women and the second leading cause for men after heart disease. But did you know that changes in your face could signal the early onset of dementia – sometimes as much as a decade before a diagnosis?
According to researchers from top medical institutions, there are five key facial signs that could predict dementia risk:
- Jaw muscle changes
A decrease in jaw muscle mass might be one of the easiest signs to notice. People with smaller jaw muscles are 60% more likely to develop dementia. As we age, we lose muscle mass, including in the face, which can lead to a shrinking of the temple muscles. A study of 621 people found that those with smaller temple muscles were at a higher risk of dementia over time.
- Exaggerated crow’s feet
Crow’s feet around the eyes, or wrinkles in general, can indicate more than just aging skin. A study published in 2024 found that people with more wrinkles around their eyes were 2.5 times more likely to experience cognitive decline, which is a precursor to dementia.
- Cataracts and eye conditions
Certain eye conditions, like cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD), can increase the risk of dementia. A long-term study of around 12,000 people showed that those with AMD had a 26% higher risk of developing dementia, while cataracts raised the risk by 11%. Those with diabetes-related eye disease (DRED) had an even higher risk – 61% higher.
- Face blindness (Prosopagnosia)
Struggling to recognize faces, even those of familiar people, can be an early sign of dementia, particularly a type called Lewy body dementia (LBD). One neurologist with Alzheimer’s disease shared that he experienced this difficulty, known as prosopagnosia. It can be an early warning sign of cognitive decline.
- Worsening hearing loss
People with hearing loss are more likely to develop dementia. Those with mild hearing loss are twice as likely to develop it, and those with severe hearing loss are five times more likely. Hearing loss can lead to social isolation, which is also a known risk factor for dementia.
Bonus: Cold sores and dementia risk
Cold sores, caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV-1), may also be linked to a higher risk of dementia. A study in Sweden followed over 1,000 older adults for 15 years and found that those with herpes were more likely to develop Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The exact link is still unclear, but researchers believe it could be related to brain damage caused over time by the virus.