Childhood obesity and poor heart health linked to increased dementia risk later in life

Childhood obesity and poor cardiovascular health may increase the risk of developing dementia in old age, according to a recent study conducted by the University of Oxford. Researchers found that factors such as high body mass index (BMI), elevated blood pressure, and low physical activity levels during childhood and adolescence were associated with structural changes in the brain by the age of 20. These changes were observed particularly in regions of the brain known to be affected by dementia.

Study Details

The study, published in the journal eBioMedicine, sheds light on how poor health during early life stages could lay the foundation for cognitive decline in later years. While prior research has linked midlife health to brain health in old age, this study highlights the potential role of early-life cardiovascular health in influencing dementia risk.

Researchers, led by a team at the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry in collaboration with University College London, analysed data from 860 participants involved in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children. This long-term research project tracks various health measures over time to better understand their implications.

The research team examined participants’ blood pressure and BMI between the ages of seven and 17, their physical activity levels between ages 11 and 15, and brain scans taken in early adulthood at around 20 years old. They found that poor cardiovascular health markers, such as higher childhood blood pressure and accelerated BMI growth during teenage years, were linked to differences in the structure of grey matter in the brain, including its thickness and surface area. These changes were especially pronounced in brain regions commonly affected by dementia.

Expert Insights

Holly Haines, lead author of the study, commented, “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.”

Co-author Associate Professor Sana Suri from the University of Oxford’s Department of Psychiatry 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.”

Implications for Prevention

The study underscores the importance of addressing lifestyle factors early in life to reduce dementia risk. Researchers emphasised that these findings provide preliminary evidence but called for further investigation to confirm their conclusions. If validated, this could shift the focus of dementia prevention strategies to much earlier stages of life.

Dr Richard Oakley, Associate Director of Research and Innovation at the Alzheimer’s Society, remarked, “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, noted, “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. “Up to 45 per cent 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.”

Call to Action

The findings from this study highlight the urgent need for public health initiatives aimed at improving cardiovascular health in children and adolescents. By addressing modifiable risk factors early, such as promoting regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing blood pressure, it may be possible to reduce the burden of dementia in future generations.

As the understanding of dementia risk factors evolves, this research reinforces the idea that prevention must start far earlier in life than previously thought.