THE DAMAGE CAN START IN CHILDHOOD

IT IS possible that much of the microscopic damage to the brain which can culminate in Alzheimer’s actually starts in early childhood.

STRESS, poor nutrition and lack of exercise could start damaging the arteries that supply oxygen to the body and brain from a young age. Studies show that children who have a tough time early in their lives do tend to be at greater risk of high blood pressure, diabetes and high cholesterol later in life, all of which, as we have shown, increase the risk later in life for developing Alzheimer’s.

NEGLECT and emotional abuse sustained at a young age have been associated with memory deficits in adulthood.

SPORTS-RELATED head trauma (even repeatedly ‘heading’ a football) is another risk factor that studies show could predispose children to developing cognitive problems in adulthood.

A PROCESS called ‘myelination’ by which the neuron’s connections are coated with a protective fatty membrane called myelin (to ensure effective communication) starts before the age of five and continues into your early 20s. This is one of the natural processes which helps the brain develop resilience in the face of later traumas — so children really do need a good, strong lifestyle foundation to ensure this process happens efficiently.

STRESS has been shown to significantly affect growth in developing brains, and lower cognitive resilience in childhood (i.e. myelination was inefficient or incomplete), which could leave you with a higher risk of developing dementia once you reach your 60s and 70s.