Time: 2024-07-11
A recent study conducted at UC San Francisco has found that young adults with higher levels of inflammation may experience reduced cognitive function in midlife . This inflammation is often associated with factors such as obesity , physical inactivity , chronic illness , stress , and smoking . The research suggests that lifestyle habits in early adulthood can impact Cognitive skills later in life , which in turn may influence the likelihood of developing dementia.
The study , published in Neurology , followed 2,364 adults over an 18 - year period and found that only 10 % of those with low inflammation performed poorly on cognitive tests , compared to 21 % and 19 % of those with moderate or higher levels of inflammation . The researchers used the protein C - reactive protein ( CRP ) to measure inflammation levels and discovered that disparities in processing speed remained even after adjusting for factors like age and physical activity.
Another study revealed that joint symptoms in young adults could be an early indicator of cognitive decline and dementia in later life . The presence of C - reactive protein in the blood , which indicates inflammation , was found to be linked to deteriorating brain function in middle age . Researchers tracked nearly 2,400 individuals over 18 years and observed that participants with moderate to high inflammation were up to 21 % less proficient in cognitive tests.
Dr. Kristine Yaffe from UC San Francisco emphasized the importance of addressing inflammation early on to prevent cognitive decline . She stated that although current prevention efforts mainly focus on late life , targeting brain health in middle age is crucial . Diets high in sugars , cholesterol , and saturated fats have also been associated with inflammation , highlighting the importance of healthy lifestyle choices.
Researchers stressed the need for early detection of individuals at high risk of cognitive decline and effective strategies to address inflammation drivers . Lifestyle changes such as increasing physical activity and quitting smoking can help reduce inflammation levels and improve cognitive function . Dr. Yaffe 's research has focused on personalized health and lifestyle changes to prevent memory loss in older adults at higher risk of dementia.
Inflammation plays a significant role in cognitive aging and may begin much earlier than previously thought . By targeting inflammation early on and making healthy choices , individuals can potentially reduce their risk of cognitive decline and dementia in later life . The link between early - life inflammation and cognitive function highlights the importance of taking proactive steps to maintain brain health throughout the lifespan.
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