Susceptibility to dementia: Lifestyle in childhood linked to risk of dementia in old age

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Sedentary lifestyle and lack of exercise are often cited as one of the factors in the development of dementia. At the same time, scientists found out that low sports performance and childhood obesity increase the risk of brain function decline in adulthood. Experts believe that improving physical fitness at a young age and leading an active lifestyle can play an important role in reducing the risk of dementia in old age.

As part of a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, under supervision more than 1200 people. At the age of 7–15, they were assessed for physical fitness, and at a more mature age (39–50 years), experts assessed their cognitive abilities.

The results showed that people with the highest level of physical fitness and the lowest ratio waist-to-hip circumferences in childhood showed better results on tests of speed, attention and cognitive function in adulthood. Decline in brain function in middle age may signal increased risk of dementia in old age, scientists note in middle age,” said one of the authors of the study, associate professor Michelle Callisaia.

Scientists emphasize that the results of the study were not affected by academic abilities and socioeconomic status in childhood, as well as smoking and alcohol consumption on average age.