Excessive stress during one’s twenties has been identified as a potential catalyst for premature cognitive decline in middle age, according to research from the University of California-San Francisco. This revelation marks a significant shift in understanding brain health and strategies for dementia prevention, suggesting that decisions made in early adulthood could profoundly impact mental sharpness decades later.
The study, published in Neurology, draws a parallel between persistent inflammation in youth and neglecting routine maintenance in a car engine – the repercussions may not be immediately evident but could manifest as serious issues in the future.
Dr. Amber Bahorik, lead author from UCSF, said that long-term studies have shown that the neurobiological changes behind Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias may evolve over years. Bahorik said that they sought to establish if lifestyle choices and health in teenage years had and influence on cognitive abilities in middle age and the possibility of contributing to dementia.
The study utilized data from the CARDIA project, designed to pinpoint factors in early adulthood that contribute to cardiovascular disease in later years. By tracking inflammation levels longitudinally and correlating them with future cognitive performance, researchers gained unique insights into the enduring impacts of inflammation on brain health.
Results indicated concerning associations between early-life inflammation and midlife cognitive function. Specifically, individuals with higher inflammation levels demonstrated poorer performance in tests assessing processing speed, memory, and executive function. Factors such as physical inactivity, higher BMI, and smoking were linked to elevated inflammation, underscoring the behavioral contributors to long-term brain health.
Senior author Dr. Kristine Yaffe, explained that inflammation is important in cognitive aging and can start as early as young adulthood. Findings contribute to growing evidence suggesting that mitigating inflammation through lifestyle changes like increased physical activity and smoking cessation could mitigate cognitive decline later in life. These findings underscore the significance of addressing inflammation early in life as a strategic approach to safeguarding cognitive health in the long term.