JAMA Netw Open

Lifetime stress tied to higher dementia and stroke risk

January 30, 2026

In a cohort of 11,601 Chinese adults aged ≥45 years, exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adverse adulthood experiences (AAEs) was associated with higher dementia risk over ~5 years (hazard ratio [HR], 1.11 and 1.23, respectively). AAEs were also associated with increased stroke risk (HR, 1.19). Participants with high levels of stress across both life stages had markedly higher risks of dementia (HR, 3.28) and stroke (HR, 2.50). Depression partially mediated these associations, accounting for up to one‑third of dementia risk.

Clinical takeaway: Assess lifetime psychosocial stress and screen for depression; addressing mental health may help reduce long-term dementia and stroke risk.

Source:

Chen B, et al. (2026, January 28). JAMA Netw Open. Life-Course Psychosocial Stress and Risk of Dementia and Stroke in Middle-Aged and Older Adults. http://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41604149/