Childhood adversity and memory function in later life: the mediating role of activity participation

Background The Dimensional Model of Adversity suggests that the two core dimensions of childhood adversity - deprivation and threat – have distinct impacts on cognitive function. However, no prior research has explored the relevance of this model to the ageing population. Additionally, childhood adversities increase the risk of lower activity participation, thereby limiting opportunities to maintain memory health through these activities. This study examined the influence of childhood deprivation and threat on memory function in later life, along with the mediating role of activity participation. Methods This cross-sectional study used data from the first wave of Panel Study on Active Ageing and Society (PAAS), a representative survey of Hong Kong adults aged 50 or above (N = 1,005). Key variables included late-life memory function measured by delay recall test, deprivation- and threat-related childhood adversities, and the frequency of participation in informal and formal types of activities. Mediation tests were used for analysis. Results Childhood deprivation was associated with a lower late-life memory function, whereas threat was not. The negative effects of childhood deprivation and its subdomain, economic hardship, on memory function was mediated by activity participation. Total participation scores presented the strongest mediating effect (17.3% to 20.6%), with formal activities playing a more substantial mediating role than informal activities in mitigating the effect of childhood economic hardship. Conclusions These findings expand the applicability of the Dimensional Model of Adversity to ageing populations, highlighting the influence of deprivation on life-long cognitive development. Furthermore, this study revealed an indirect pathway through which childhood deprivation affects memory health in old age through activity participation, especially comprehensive and formal activities. This emphasises the necessity for targeted interventions.