Childhood Cardiovascular Risk Factors Tied to Cognitive Decline in Young Adulthood

New research reveals that cardiovascular risk factors emerging as early as infancy may shape cognitive abilities decades later in adulthood.

A longitudinal study tracked cardiovascular metrics from infancy to young adulthood and assessed cognitive outcomes at age 26.

Researchers identified statistical associations between early-life cardiovascular health and adult cognitive performance. Higher body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference in childhood and early adolescence correlated with reduced cognitive flexibility (β = −0.240 to −0.315) and information processing (β = −0.308). Lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels in childhood were linked to worse cognitive flexibility (β = −0.318 to −0.260), while elevated systolic blood pressure in childhood showed a similar association (β = −0.316).

Henri Salo et al. noted:

"These results suggest that even slightly elevated cardiovascular risk factors might play a role in adulthood cognitive function. Thus, an even more aggressive approach to cardiovascular risk management in childhood might be meaningful."

Junia N. de Brito provided independent validation in her commentary, titled Early Cardiovascular Health and Cognitive Function in Young Adulthood: New Insights From Childhood (DOI: 10.1542/peds.2025-073393).

The study’s observational design means these associations do not prove causation, and no clinical guidance is provided.

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