Childhood stress accelerates brain aging.

Individuals who have suffered trauma face an increased risk of developing various diseases; they often experience depression, anxiety disorders, cardiovascular issues, or metabolic conditions. Until now, little has been known about whether such experiences could contribute to the onset of neurodegenerative diseases.

Now, researchers from the Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin have confirmed that severe hardships in early life are linked to measurable markers of accelerated brain aging and exacerbate neurodegenerative processes later in life. The study has been published in the journal Annals of Neurology.

“Stress and trauma in childhood, such as abuse, neglect, domestic violence, drug abuse, or family crime, and the loss of a parent, are experiences that affect a significant number of people in our society,” says Professor Christine Heim, the lead researcher of this study and director of the Institute of Medical Psychology at Charité.

Approximately 30-40% of the population reports experiencing significant stress or traumatic childhood experiences. Such experiences can leave molecular and neurobiological traces, impacting the endocrine and immune systems, leading to a lifelong increased risk of developing various diseases.

In her research, Professor Heim's team aimed to determine whether adverse experiences in early life have a long-term impact on brain aging and contribute to the onset of neurodegenerative processes.

The study, conducted in close collaboration with the neurology department at Charité, involved 179 women aged 30 to 60. Women are at a higher risk of developing neurodegenerative diseases, prompting researchers to focus on this high-risk group.

The scientists began the study by conducting clinical interviews to assess the intensity of stress or anxiety experiences the participants had during childhood—prior to puberty. They also analyzed blood samples from the participants using advanced technologies to identify biomarkers indicating specific neuroinflammatory processes and nerve cell damage.

The researchers utilized magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to capture the size of the participants' brains and the cavities filled with cerebrospinal fluid. They also measured the participants' cognitive functions using a standardized, globally recognized assessment.

The participants were required to complete various computer tasks. Three specific tests were selected for the study, allowing for highly accurate detection of early signs of dementia.

The researchers analyzed the collected data using statistical models. They accounted for socio-economic factors and psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, which could also play a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, to mitigate the impact of early-life stress mentioned in the study.

The results from all three levels of research were compelling: women who experienced significant stress or trauma in childhood exhibited elevated levels of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration biomarkers in their blood, reduced brain volume, and more cognitive issues.

Further research is now necessary to illuminate the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon, paving the way for the development of appropriate treatment methods to interrupt disease pathways early on.

Scientists need to gain a deeper understanding of the risk factors involved in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, especially considering the noticeable increase in conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

However, not everyone who experiences childhood trauma subsequently develops dementia. Many individuals demonstrate remarkable resilience, allowing them to endure severe crises without detrimental health effects. According to the researchers, targeted methods to enhance resilience following stressful situations in early life are a key focus for future studies.

The fact that dementia occurs in a significantly higher number of women than men is one reason researchers concentrated on women in this study. In the future, Professor Heim and her team hope to investigate whether similar correlations exist among men.