Adverse childhood experiences and cognitive function in adulthood: examining the roles of depressive symptoms and inflammation in a prospective cohort study

Abstract

Purpose Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been associated with cognitive decline in adulthood. However, the underlying mechanisms implicated remain unclear. This study investigated depressive symptoms and systemic inflammation as potential mediators of the association between ACEs and later cognitive function. Methods Participants were adults aged 50 + from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (N = 3029; 54.8% female). Measures included self-reported ACEs at wave 3 (2006–2007), C-reactive protein (CRP) and depressive symptoms at wave 4 (2008–2009), and cognitive function at waves 3 and 7 (2014–2015). Mediation analyses examined the direct associations between ACEs and cognitive function at wave 7 and the indirect associations via depressive symptoms and CRP at wave 4. In a first set of analyses, models were adjusted for sociodemographic factors and baseline cognitive function. In a second set of analyses, models were additionally adjusted for BMI and health behaviours (n = 1915). Results Cumulative ACEs exposure positively predicted depressive symptoms (b = 0.184, s.e. = 0.034, p < .001), which in turn predicted poorer cognitive function at wave 7 (b = − 0.035, s.e. = 0.008, p < .001). ACEs also positively predicted systemic inflammation as measured by CRP (b = 0.031, s.e. = 0.01, p = 0.0016). However, CRP did not mediate the association between ACEs and later cognitive function (b = − 0.0002, 95% CI: − 0.002, 0.002). Conclusion These findings suggest that ACEs may be related to cognitive decline partly via depressive symptoms and corroborate prior research linking ACEs with systemic inflammation in adulthood.

Effects of adverse childhood health experiences on cognitive function in Chinese middle-aged and older adults: mediating role of depression

“…Depression was found to mediate the relationship between ACHEs and cognitive functioning, which is consistent with findings relating to ACEs. Evidence suggests that depressive symptoms may be indirectly responsible for cognitive decline following ACEs [ 48 , 92 ]. It indicates that adverse childhood health experiences might lead to depression which can increase the risk of cognitive impairment in the middle-aged and elderly population.…”

“…Furthermore, it has been found that depression has been implicated as one of the risk factors for dementia, recent years have seen significant attention paid to depression because of its association with cognition [ 44 ], and significant correlations have been demonstrated in recent studies to suggest that depression is closely related to cognition [ 45 – 47 ]. Also, it is generally observed that depression plays a mediating role in studies of cognitive abilities [ 48 – 51 ]. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate whether ACHEs have an impact on cognitive function in Chinese middle-aged and older adults through depression levels as a mediating variable.…”

Vascular mechanisms leading to progression of mild cognitive impairment to dementia after COVID-19: Protocol and methodology of a prospective longitudinal observational study

“…Patients will be cognitively assessed by n -back working memory paradigm and NIH Toolbox Cognitive Battery to determine whether COVID-19 contributes to decreased fluid and/or crystalized cognitive performance. Patients will also complete select questionnaires from Emotion Battery (Emotional Support, Friendship, Loneliness, Perceived Hostility, Perceived Rejection, and Instrumental Support questionnaires) and Adverse Childhood Experience questionnaire to determine current state of social support/interaction and traumatic events during childhood, both of which are known to exacerbate and contribute to cognitive impairment [ 44 , 45 ]. All cognitive, emotional, and adverse childhood experience assessments will be performed at baseline and 18-month follow-up.…”

In major depression, complex intersections between adverse childhood experiences and negative life events impact neuroticism, brooding, suicidal tendencies, insomnia, and cognitive interference

“…[14][15][16] A prospective cohort study discovered cognitive impairments and ACEs that were mediated in part by depressive symptoms. 5 Additionally, empirical support suggests that daily hassles and negative life events (NLEs) are correlated with symptoms of depression, negative affect, and neuroticism. NLEs and daily difficulties encompass disagreeable and anxiety-inducing obligations such as familial disputes, financial hardships, and work-related obligations.…”

“…14–16 A prospective cohort study discovered cognitive impairments and ACEs that were mediated in part by depressive symptoms. 5…”