Emotional neglect in childhood and cerebral infarction in older age.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

The purpose of the study was to test the hypothesis that a higher level of childhood adversity is associated with increased risk of cerebral infarction in old age.

Methods

Older participants in a longitudinal clinical-pathologic study rated adverse childhood experiences (e.g., emotional neglect, parental intimidation and violence) on a previously established 16-item scale. During a mean of 3.5 years of follow-up, there were 257 deaths, with 206 brain autopsies (80.2). Number of chronic cerebral infarcts (gross plus microscopic; expressed as 0, 1, or >1) was determined in a uniform neuropathologic examination, which had been completed in 192 individuals at the time of these analyses.

Results

Childhood adversity scores ranged from 0 to 31 (mean = 8.3, SD = 6.4

SUBMITTER: Wilson RS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3475630 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature