Children who are overweight and lack sufficient physical activity might boost their chances of developing dementia in adulthood.

A University of Oxford The study examined 862 children whose bodyweight was assessed starting at age seven, with their daily physical activities monitored beginning at age eleven.

Their brains were examined at approximately age 20 and analyzed for alterations associated with dementia.

Individuals who have a greater Body Mass Index (BMI) by age seven and those who experience rapid weight gain up to age 17 show variations in the structure of their 'default mode network,' an area associated with dementia later in life.

Children who were less physically active and had a higher Body Mass Index often exhibited variations in their entorhinal cortex. Research indicates this area of the brain is also implicated in dementia.

The findings indicate that children’s brains might evolve differently due to insufficient physical activity and being overweight. This potential difference in brain development could make them more susceptible to dementia later in life, but further studies are necessary to confirm this hypothesis.

Holly Haines, the principal author of the study featured in the journal eBioMedicine, stated: "Dementia is often perceived as a condition affecting only elderly individuals, with the 'crucial period' for preventing it through healthy lifestyle choices believed to be during midlife."

'However, our research indicates that maintaining good health during childhood and adolescence is also crucial.'

'There is an increasing recognition that our daily habits throughout our lifetime, starting from childhood, influence our well-being in old age, and it’s never too soon to consider adopting a healthier way of living.'

The participants were involved in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, a comprehensive health research project focusing on families from Bristol and its surroundings, which commenced in 1991.

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