New research links social exposures to brain health and dementia risks

Social exposure to negative factors such as low education, poor access to healthcare, and food insecurity in childhood, is linked to poorer mental health, brain function, and a higher risk of dementia, according to new research. The study, featuring Irish researchers and published in Nature Communications, found that negative societal experiences in childhood can have a long-lasting impact - not only in healthy aging, but also in people living with dementia. According to the paper’s authors, the work suggests that dementia prevention should begin in childhood. The study involved researchers developing an assessment of social exposome – the range of…