Scientists have found being overweight in childhood could increase the risk of developing dementia in later life, according to new research from Oxford University.
The groundbreaking study reveals children with high body mass index, elevated blood pressure and low activity levels showed changes in their brains by age 20.
These changes were particularly noticeable in areas of the brain known to be affected by dementia in old age.
While previous research has focused on midlife health impacts on dementia, this study has suggested that being unhealthy during childhood and adolescence could set the stage for later decline in brain health.
The team tracked multiple health indicators over an extended period, measuring blood pressure and BMI in children aged seven to 17 years old, as well as physical activity levels between ages 11 and 15 (Stock)
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The findings, published in the journal eBioMedicine, indicate that "preventative measures" might need to begin much earlier than previously thought.
Researchers from Oxford University's Department of Psychiatry, working with University College London, examined data from 860 participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children.
The team tracked multiple health indicators over an extended period, measuring blood pressure and BMI in children aged seven to 17 years old, as well as physical activity levels between ages 11 and 15.
Brain scans were then conducted when participants reached young adulthood, at approximately age 20.
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The scientists discovered that poorer cardiovascular health markers, including higher childhood blood pressure and faster BMI growth during teenage years, were linked to structural differences in grey matter impacting thickness and surface area of the brain tissue.
The changes were particularly prominent in parts of the brain known to be vulnerable to dementia in later life.
Researchers noted that similar connections between heart and brain health have previously been observed in older patients with memory difficulties and dementia.
The findings have suggested that preventative measures might need to be taken earlier in life, although researchers have admitted that further investigation is needed.
The new study was conducted by researchers at Oxford University
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Lead author Holly Haines said: "Our research shows that cardiovascular health in the earliest stages of life may already be important for the structure of brain regions known to be affected in dementia in old age much earlier than previously thought."
Associate Professor Sana Suri from Oxford's Department of Psychiatry added: "The findings suggest that we should be thinking about targeting modifiable lifestyle risk factors, such as obesity and exercise, decades before current lifespan models of dementia suggest."
"The early adolescent years merit greater consideration in the context of dementia prevention."
Dr Richard Oakley from the Alzheimer's Society also highlighted that, as it stands, dementia is the UK's biggest killer, but certain risk factors can be modified.
"Although no single behaviour is guaranteed to prevent dementia, we do know there are things you can do to reduce your own risk," he explained.
