Are Adverse Childhood Experiences Associated with Worse Cognitive Function in Older Adults?

Objectives: Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) are associated with an increased risk for dementia, but this relationship and modifying factors are poorly understood. This study is the first to our knowledge to comprehensively examine the effect of ACE on specific cognitive functions and measures associated with greater risk and resiliency to cognitive decline in independent community-dwelling older adults.

Methods: Verbal/nonverbal intelligence, verbal memory, visual memory, and executive attention were assessed.