Social adversity linked to poorer brain health

Social adversity over a lifetime impacts brain health, cognition, and dementia risk.

Why it matters

  • Adverse social experiences linked to poorer cognition and brain health.
  • Early intervention can help prevent dementia.

By the numbers

  • Study involved 2,211 individuals from six Latin American countries.
  • 56% of dementia cases in Latin America linked to modifiable risk factors.

The big picture

  • Social adversity accumulates over time, affecting brain structure and function.
  • Prevention should start in childhood.

What they're saying

  • Researchers emphasize early intervention to build brain health capital.

Caveats

  • Observational study; causality not established.

What’s next

  • Development of tailored models for dementia prevention based on social exposome.