Over time, it is not uncommon to notice that cognitive abilities decline. “A disorder or cognitive decline corresponds to an alteration of one or more cognitive functions, whatever the mechanism involved, its origin or its reversibility”, explains the High Authority of Health (HAS). It can be characterized in many ways, including an alteration of language, blackouts or some balance disorders. It is therefore important to understand the risk factors.
Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), in the United States, have found that young adults in their twenties who have high levels of inflammation due to physical inactivity, stress, smoking or obesity were at greater risk of cognitive decline in midlife. Their findings are published in the journal Neurology.
Cognitive decline: Moderate or high inflammation levels in your 20s may increase risk
To reach these conclusions, the researchers analyzed data from more than 2,300 participants enrolled in the Cardia study, which analyzes the prevalence of certain cardiovascular pathologies. “Participants were aged 18 to 30 years at study entry and were tested four times over an 18-year period for C-reactive protein (CRP), an inflammatory marker,” explain the researchers. In parallel, the volunteers underwent tests to measure cognitive abilities five years after the last measurement of the inflammatory marker. The participants were then aged 40 to 50 years.
The researchers found that “45% had stable, low inflammation, while 16% had moderate or increasing inflammation. 39% had higher levels.” According to the authors of the study, the causes of this inflammation are multiple and concern in particular: a BMI high, smoking, as well as physical inactivity.
Physical activity and smoking cessation may reduce risk of cognitive decline
After analyzing the results, the researchers found that consistently high or moderate inflammation from adulthood “may lead to deterioration in executive functions and processing speed in middle age.” Also, researchers believe that “Inflammation is important for cognitive aging and may start much earlier than previously thought”.
In a statement, Kristine Yaffe, MD, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, neurology, epidemiology and biostatistics at UCSF, summarizes: “Inflammation plays an important role in cognitive aging and can begin in early adulthood.” And the specialist added: : “Fortunately, there are ways to reduce inflammation – such as increasing physical activity and quitting smoking – that may be promising avenues for prevention.”
Sources :
- Association of Changes in C-Reactive Protein Level Trajectories Through Early Adulthood With Cognitive Function at Midlife – Neurology
- Poor Health, Stress in 20s Takes Toll in 40s With Lower Cognition – University of California San Francisco (communiqué)
- High Authority of Health (HAS) – Cognitive disorders and neurocognitive disorders.
