Title:Childhood Maltreatment and Dementia Risk Factors in Midlife: A
Prospective Investigation
Volume: 20
Issue: 9
Author(s): Cathy S. Widom*, Hang H. Do, Kristin S. Lynch and Jennifer J. Manly
Affiliation:
- Department of Psychology, John Jay College, City University of New York, 529 West 59th Street, New York City, NY,
10019, USA
Keywords:
Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, depression, malnutrition, obesity, diabetes.
Abstract:
Background: Previous studies have linked childhood adversities to dementia risk, yet
most studies are cross-sectional in design and utilize retrospective self-reports to assess childhood
experiences. These design characteristics make it difficult to establish temporal order and draw
firm conclusions.
Objectives: Using a longitudinal design, we sought to determine whether childhood maltreatment
predicts dementia risk factors in middle adulthood.
Methods: Data have been obtained from a prospective cohort design study of children with documented
cases of childhood maltreatment (ages 0-11 years at case identification) and demographically
matched controls who were followed up and interviewed in middle adulthood. Outcomes
were assessed through a medical examination and interview, and 807 of the cases that included
blood collection at mean age 41. Dementia risk were investigated using 11 potentially modifiable
risk factors.
Results: Compared to controls, individuals with histories of childhood maltreatment had a higher
risk of low educational attainment, low social contact, smoking, and clinical depression, and a
higher total number of dementia risk factors. In general, childhood maltreatment predicted a higher
risk of dementia for females, males, and Black and White participants. Black maltreated participants
had a greater risk for traumatic brain injury compared to Black controls. Physical abuse, sexual
abuse, and neglect, each predicted a higher number of dementia risk factors in mid-life.
Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that childhood maltreatment increases the risk for
dementia in mid-life and has a demonstrable impact lasting over 30 years. Reducing the prevalence
of mid-life dementia risk factors could reduce the risk of later-life dementia.