Early Inflammation Linked to Midlife Cognitive Decline

Higher inflammation in young adulthood is associated with reduced cognitive function in midlife. Inflammation can be due to factors like obesity, physical inactivity, chronic illness, stress, and smoking, Just 10% of those with low inflammation performed poorly on testing of processing speed and memory, compared to 21% of those with moderate levels of inflammation, and 19% of those with higher levels of inflammation.

When the researchers adjusted for factors like age, physical activity, and total cholesterol, disparities remained in processing speed. The researchers also found differences in executive functioning, which includes working memory, problem solving and impulse control.  

These findings . . .