The Impact of Inflammation on Cognitive Function: A Look into Midlife Performance
Recent research out of UC San Francisco has shed light on the connection between higher levels of inflammation in young adulthood and decreased cognitive function in midlife. Inflammation, often associated with factors such as obesity, physical inactivity, chronic illness, stress, and smoking, has long been linked to various health issues. However, this study is one of the first to demonstrate how inflammation in early adulthood can impact cognitive abilities later in life.
Lead author of the study, Dr. Amber Bahorik, explains, “We know that brain changes leading to Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias can take decades to develop. We wanted to explore if health and lifestyle habits in early adulthood could influence cognitive skills in midlife and potentially affect the risk of dementia in later years.”
The study, published in Neurology, revealed that individuals with higher levels of inflammation in young adulthood were more likely to perform poorly on tests of processing speed and memory in midlife. Even after adjusting for factors like age, physical activity, and cholesterol levels, the disparities in cognitive function remained.
The research followed 2,364 participants in the CARDIA study, tracking their levels of the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein (CRP) over an 18-year period. Cognitive tests were administered in midlife to assess processing speed, memory, and executive functioning.
Participants with low inflammation levels had better cognitive performance compared to those with moderate or higher inflammation levels. The study also found a correlation between inflammation and lifestyle factors such as physical inactivity, higher BMI, and smoking.
Senior author of the study, Dr. Kristine Yaffe, emphasizes the importance of understanding the role of inflammation in cognitive aging. She notes, “Inflammation may have a direct and indirect impact on cognition, and it is crucial to address this issue early on.” Yaffe, who has previously researched dementia risk factors, highlights the potential for reducing inflammation through lifestyle changes like increased physical activity and smoking cessation.
Yaffe’s work has also explored the connection between fragmented sleep and cognitive decline in midlife, as well as the effectiveness of personalized health interventions in preventing memory loss in older adults at higher risk.
Overall, the study underscores the significance of addressing inflammation in early adulthood to preserve cognitive function and reduce the risk of cognitive decline in midlife and beyond. By adopting healthy habits and reducing inflammation, individuals can potentially mitigate the effects of aging on cognitive abilities.
