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Background Cognitive impairment is a significant threat to adult quality of life. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) may have prolonged effects on cognitive impairment in adulthood. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the association between ACEs and adult-onset cognitive impairment. Methods We systematically searched databases, including PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library, from inception through February 16, 2025. Two independent investigators conducted literature screening, data extraction, and quality assessment using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Meta-analysis was performed applying RevMan5.4.1. Results Four studies- two cross-sectional studies, one cohort study, and one case-control study-were included. Meta-analysis results indicated that the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ) total score (mean difference MD= 7.06, 95% confidence interval CI 0.87,13.24, p = 0.03), emotional neglect (MD = 2.88, 95%CI 0.39, 5.37, p = 0.02) were related to cognitive impairment. In the 65-year group, the MD = 2.59 (95%CI 0.09, 5.09, p = 0.04) was associated with cognitive impairment. The funnel diagram of gender analysis was approximately symmetrical visually, indicating a small possibility of publication bias; but due to the small number of studies, the test power was limited. Conclusion Adverse childhood experiences may be associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment, but a causal relationship could not be established owing to limited observational evidence. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420250655749 , identifier CRD420250655749.
Wang et al. (Wed,) studied this question.