Size at birth and cognitive ability in late life: A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction: Recent evidence suggests that growth restriction in utero and programming of metabolism may lead to neurocognitive disorders in late life. Methods: Systematic review of literature investigating the relationship between size at birth and cognitive abilities in late life according to PRISMA guideline. The search, data extraction and rating for the quality of reporting were conducted independently by two researchers. Results; Eight of the eleven eligible studies, from higher income settings, showed a direct association of size at birth with cognitive abilities in late life. Socioeconomic position at birth and education are important determinants of late life cognition is insufficient evidence from this review to support the DOHaD cognitive reserve or cardiometabolic pathways of cognitive ageing. Discussion: Education may supersede and may even compensate for vulnerabilities in early life to late life cognitive impairment. Similarly, interventions aimed to improve growth and development in early life and childhood may also enhance the brain reserve and lead to higher cognitive abilities in late life.