Adverse childhood experiences influence markers of neurodegeneration risk in older adults.

INTRODUCTION

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) disrupt brain development and increase vulnerability to Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD). We explored how ACEs impact neuroimaging, plasma biomarkers, and cognition in older adults.

METHODS

Data from 214 participants aged ≥ 55 years were analyzed using linear and logistic regression, adjusting for demographic covariates.

RESULTS

Financial need associated negatively with Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores (β = -0.10, p = 0.011). Lower mean diffusivity across white matter tracts associated with parental violence (β = -0.01, p = 0.03). Lower glial fibrillary acidic protein associated with parental intimidation (β = -0.07, p = 0.01) and parental violence (β = -0.18, p = 0.006). Family problems and separation (β = -0.16, p = 0.003), financial need (β = -0.1, p = 0.04), and parental intimidation (β = -0.05, p = 0.01) inversely associated with neurofilament light chain.

DISCUSSION

Findings challenge the notion that ACEs uniformly accelerate neurodegeneration. Longitudinal studies are needed to determine whether these results reflect resilience, survivorship, or cohort-specific factors influencing ADRD risk.

HIGHLIGHTS

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may elicit compensatory neural responses in aging. Financial need was associated with lower global cognition (Montreal Cognitive Assessment scores). Some ACEs (e.g., financial need, parental intimidation) linked to lower plasma neurofilament light chain. Parental violence linked to lower glial fibrillary acidic protein and mean diffusivity values, implying intact white mattery integrity.