Children with chronic and multiple illnesses have a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia and other forms of dementia as adults. This applies to people in middle and old age, according to researchers from China.
Multimorbidity often occurs in older people. However, according to scientific findings, the number of children suffering from multiple diseases simultaneously is also increasing. The connection between childhood illnesses and all types of dementia that occur later in life has so far been hardly researched.
Over 135,500 participants
In their review paper, the scientists analyzed data from over 135,500 participants aged 50 and older, who were observed over an average period of eight years. Multimorbidity in childhood was defined as the presence of at least two conditions simultaneously. The age limit for affected children was 15/16 years, and the study considered eight chronic diseases that had been diagnosed in children. The researchers used data from three large, nationally representative studies from Europe, England, and the USA. The data from participants from 31 countries were analyzed in turn within these three studies.
The most important finding of the study published in May 2025: Chronic multimorbidity in childhood was associated with a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's dementia and other forms of dementia in middle to older age. This was particularly true for early-onset dementias, i.e., up to the age of 65. For people with late-onset dementia, i.e., those affected from the age of 65, the effect was less pronounced.
Migraine, epilepsy, and childhood psychiatric disorders
Among individual chronic childhood diseases, migraine, epilepsy, and mental disorders were most strongly associated with the development of dementia. The researchers emphasize that their findings underscore the importance of preventing childhood diseases, particularly neuropsychiatric conditions, to reduce the burden of dementia in old age.
Tip for practice: Individuals who were diagnosed with multiple chronic illnesses up to the age of 16 should pay attention to their cognitive health and focus particularly on dementia risk factors.
Here is the link to the study:
Our special tip: use ours „digiDEM Bavaria Prevention Coach ®“.What risk factors promote dementia? Why are risk factors such as declining hearing and vision, low education, depression, social isolation, or physical inactivity linked to the probability of developing dementia? What can you do preventively for your cognitive health? With our digital prevention coach®, we want to encourage you to learn about your own dementia risk factors in just a few steps. Find out how to keep your brain actively fit in everyday life and learn about the possibilities for reducing dementia risk.
Here you can find our online offering „digiDEM Bayern Prevention Coach."®“.
