When it comes to the risk of developing dementia, most people probably think that the factors that matter the most are older age, genetics, and lifestyle choices in adulthood.

However, research is increasingly showing that the journey towards dementia may actually begin early in life, even as far back as adolescence. In this article, we will explore why adolescence matters for dementia risk, the factors involved, and what can be done to reduce the risk.

What is Dementia?

Dementia is a syndrome that affects memory, thinking, behavior, and the ability to perform everyday activities. It is caused by damage to brain cells, and the most common cause is Alzheimer’s disease.

Other causes include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. The risk of developing dementia increases with age, with most cases occurring in people over 65 years old. However, dementia can affect younger people as well.

The Role of Adolescence in Dementia Risk

Research has shown that the brain undergoes significant changes during adolescence, including increased brain activity, synaptic pruning, and myelination.

These changes are critical for the development of higher cognitive functions such as memory, attention, and language. However, they also make the brain more vulnerable to environmental factors, such as stress, substance abuse, and trauma.

A study published in JAMA Neurology in 2018 found that having a high body mass index (BMI) in adolescence was associated with an increased risk of developing dementia in middle age.

The study followed over 1 million men in Sweden from the age of 18 to 58. The authors suggest that the link between BMI and dementia may be due to the effects of obesity on the cardiovascular system, as well as on inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.

Another study published in JAMA Pediatrics in 2019 found that exposure to air pollution during adolescence was associated with an increased risk of developing dementia in later life.

The study followed over 3,000 people in the United States from the age of 18 to 65. The authors hypothesize that the link between air pollution and dementia may be due to the effects of inflammation and oxidative stress on the brain.

The Impact of Trauma and Stress in Adolescence

Research has also shown that experiencing trauma and stress in adolescence can have a lasting impact on brain function and increase the risk of developing dementia later in life.

A study published in the Journal of Alzheimer’s Disease in 2018 found that people who had experienced childhood trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, were more likely to have cognitive impairment in older age.

Similarly, a study published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health in 2018 found that people who had experienced stressful life events, such as divorce, unemployment, or financial difficulties, in early adulthood were more likely to develop dementia in later life. The authors suggest that the link between stress and dementia may be due to the effects of chronic stress on the cardiovascular system and on inflammation in the brain.

Protective Factors in Adolescence

While certain factors in adolescence may increase the risk of developing dementia, there are also factors that can help protect the brain and reduce the risk. These include:.

Physical activity: Regular exercise in adolescence has been shown to improve cognitive function and reduce the risk of developing dementia in later life.

Social connections: Maintaining strong social connections in adolescence has been associated with better cognitive function in older age.

Mental stimulation: Engaging in mentally stimulating activities, such as reading, playing video games, or learning a new language, can help build cognitive reserves that may delay the onset of dementia.

Healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet in adolescence can help reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular disease, which is a risk factor for dementia.

Conclusion

While the journey towards dementia may begin early in life, particularly in adolescence, there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.

These include maintaining a healthy lifestyle, engaging in mentally stimulating activities, and seeking support for trauma and stress. By paying attention to the factors that matter in adolescence, we can work towards a future where dementia is no longer a looming threat.