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Study highlights how stress in early life will come back to haunt your brain health
A new study from the University of San Francisco has highlighted how stress affects your brain and can culminate in poorer cognitive function in later life.
Brain activity has fascinated scientists for years, whether that be the foods that increase their capabilities or activity registered upon someone’s death. As of late, and with the increased interest in overall wellness, researchers have been delving into the link between self-care and our brain health to offer advice to those interested in their health.
How stress affects your brain
In the Neurology journal this week, scientists from the University of San Francisco published a paper on the link between increased inflammation and reduced cognitive function in midlife. Bodily Inflammation is often linked to obesity, physical inactivity, chronic illness, stress, and smoking.
While previous studies have looked into inflammation and its connection to Alzheimer’s and dementia, the latest data focused on those in their early 20s. Using data from the CARDIA study, which was conducted over 18 years, the researchers found that those with less information performed better on skills tests in later life.
“We know from long-term studies that brain changes leading to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias may take decades to develop,” said first author Amber Bahorik. “We wanted to see if health and lifestyle habits in early adulthood may play a part in cognitive skills in midlife, which in turn may influence the likelihood of dementia in later life.”
‘Inflammation plays a significant role in cognitive aging’
Through their study, the researchers were also able to zero in on some of the biggest factors in creating higher levels of inflammation. Such factors included physical inactivity, higher BMI, and current smoking.
“Inflammation plays a significant role in cognitive aging and may begin in early adulthood,” added senior author Kristine Yaffe, MD, a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences. “There is likely a direct and indirect effect of inflammation on cognition.”
She added: “Fortunately, there are ways to reduce inflammation — such as by increasing physical activity and quitting smoking — that might be promising paths for prevention.”
With Alzheimers now posing such a threat, with 10 million new cases popping up each year, experts are working tirelessly to find potential cures and treatments. One such study suggested that smelling menthol could be helpful.
