The impact of early life adversity on health behaviors and cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults in Canada

Project Summary

Dementia is a growing public health concern in Canada due to the aging population. While there is no cure, dementia risk can be reduced through lifestyle changes like physical activity, a healthy diet, and social and mental engagement. However, not everyone has equal access to these habits, as the social determinants of health shape a person’s ability to make healthy choices. Emerging research highlights the impact of early life experiences, such as childhood poverty, abuse, or neglect, on brain health and dementia risk. Despite this, early life factors are often overlooked in dementia research, which tends to focus more on midlife and beyond. This study aims to explore how early life adversity affects cognitive function in middle-aged and older adults. Understanding these mechanisms could inform interventions to mitigate the effects of adverse early life experiences.