Adverse Childhood Experiences and Subjective Cognitive Decline in the US

Abstract

Objective The aim of this study was to determine the association between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and subjective cognitive decline (SCD) among a representative sample of the adult US population. Methods Data were obtained from the 2019 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System ( N = 82,688, ≥45 years). Adverse childhood experiences included sexual, physical/psychological and environmental ACEs, and a score. Multivariable logistic regression was used to determine the association between ACEs and SCD, and SCD-related outcomes. Results Sexual (adjusted OR (aOR: 2.83; 95% CI: 2.42–3.31)), physical/psychological (aOR: 2.05; 95% CI: 1.83–2.29), and environmental (aOR: 1.94; 95% CI: 1.74–2.16) ACEs were associated with SCD in the past year. There was also a dose-response relationship between ACE score and SCD. Conclusion ACEs were associated with SCD. Interventions to maximize cognitive health in aging and prevent future cognitive impairment should consider the potential role of ACEs among affected populations.

The Effect of Adverse Childhood Experiences on ADHD Symptom Reporting, Psychological Symptoms, and Cognitive Performance Among Adult Neuropsychological Referrals

“…The presence of a relationship between ACEs and ADHD diagnosis and severity has been consistently documented (Brown et al, 2022; Crouch et al 2021; Windle et al, 2018); however, the pathophysiological and environmental mechanisms subserving this association are not yet fully understood. Chronic stress, due to repeated exposure to traumatic events, maltreatment, and impoverished environments early in childhood, can alter the trajectory of typical neurodevelopment and has been implicated in the neurobiology of ADHD.…”

“…Unlike with ADHD, there are conflicting results amongst studies exploring the relationship between ACEs and objective cognitive performance. Studies in young adult populations have found that higher number of ACEs have been associated with poorer performance on objective tasks of learning and memory, deficits in executive function (e.g., problem-solving), and reports of higher subjective cognitive difficulties (Brown et al, 2022; Kalia et al, 2021). As people age, ACEs may also be associated with poorer cognitive outcomes (O’Shea et al, 2021).…”