Teenagers told to consider dementia risk after 'unhealthy childhood' linked to brain changes

Neurosurgeon wearing blue medical glove holds Series of CAT Scans showing the human brain
-Credit:Reach Publishing Services Limited


Teenagers should be mindful of their dementia risk, according to academics. A new study suggests that an unhealthy childhood could impact brain health in later life.

Factors such as a child’s body mass index (BMI), blood pressure and physical activity levels have been linked to differences in the brain by the age of 20 – particularly in areas associated with dementia. While it's known that mid-life health can predict dementia risk in later years, this is the first time researchers have explored the potential impact from childhood onwards.

The study, published in eBioMedicine, indicates that poor health during childhood and adolescence could pave the way for a decline in brain health in later years. The research was led by a team at the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry, in collaboration with University College London.

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They analysed data from 860 participants in the long-term Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, examining factors such as blood pressure and BMI from ages seven to 17, physical activity levels from ages 11 to 15, and brain scans from young adulthood around the age of 20.

Researchers have discovered that markers of poor cardiovascular health, such as elevated childhood blood pressure and rapid BMI growth during teenage years, are linked to changes in the structure of grey matter in the brain, including its thickness and surface area. These associations were particularly strong in areas of the brain commonly affected by dementia in later life.

The team noted that similar connections between heart health and brain health have been observed in older individuals with memory issues and dementia. The study's findings offer "preliminary evidence" that risks for dementia could be spotted and addressed much earlier in life, leading to calls for more research into these early indicators.

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The implications could affect when "preventative measures" are implemented.

"Our research shows that cardiovascular health in the earliest stages of life may already be important for the structure of brain regions known to be affected in dementia in old age – much earlier than previously thought," said Holly Haines, the paper's lead author.

Associate Professor Sana Suri from the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Oxford, who co-authored the paper, added: "The findings suggest that we should be thinking about targeting modifiable lifestyle risk factors, such as obesity and exercise, decades before current lifespan models of dementia suggest.

“The early adolescent years merit greater consideration in the context of dementia prevention.”

Dr Richard Oakley, associate director of research and innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, emphasised the severity of dementia in the UK and the potential preventative measures.

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He said: "Dementia is the UK’s biggest killer. Although no single behaviour is guaranteed to prevent dementia, we do know there are things you can do to reduce your own risk.

"Certain factors, such as being overweight and lack of exercise between the ages of 40 to 65, are known to be linked to a higher risk of developing dementia later in life. However, this study aimed to understand if poor cardiovascular health in childhood could increase the risk of dementia."

"The study found that where being overweight, lack of exercise, and high blood pressure were present in early life, there were changes in the brain regions that could contribute to developing dementia, suggesting that it’s never too early to make healthy changes to reduce your dementia risk."

David Thomas, head of policy and public affairs at Alzheimer’s Research UK, supported these findings and advocated for heart health from a young age.

He said: "This study suggests that not looking after our hearts even in adolescence could lead to changes in the brain later on in life, which may influence the risk of developing dementia.

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"Up to 45% of dementia cases can be prevented by avoiding risk factors that we can influence, such as physical inactivity and smoking. These are habits that some people pick up in early life, without knowing the potential long-term consequences for their brain health.

"Recent action from the Government to support the health of future generations, including the landmark Tobacco and Vapes Bill, are positive steps towards tackling some of the factors that affect our risk of developing dementia. But with the number of people affected by dementia on the rise, more must be done.

"Some factors which impact our risk of developing dementia are beyond our control, such as the affordability of a healthy lifestyle.

"The Government’s upcoming 10 Year Health Plan is a crucial opportunity to join up efforts to prevent ill health and tackle the range of factors that impact brain health across the whole of society.

"Dementia is not just an inevitable part of aging. By supporting research like this study, we are gaining insights into how people might be able to prevent dementia happening in the first place, which is vital if we want to reach a cure for this devastating condition."

Dr Oakley added: "This study mainly included participants who were white, male and upper or middle class, and so further research is needed to confirm these findings in a more diverse group.

"Additionally, because this is a preliminary study it does not confirm that poor cardiovascular health in childhood will definitely cause dementia later in life and more research is needed to understand this link."