Henri Salo, MD, discusses how cardiovascular risk factors may impact cognitive function

In a Contemporary Pediatrics interview, Henri Salo, MD, PhD student at the University of Turku, discussed findings from a study examining how cardiovascular risk factors beginning in early childhood may influence cognitive function in young adulthood.

The research drew participants from the long-running Special Turku Coronary Risk Factor Intervention Project (STRIP), a Finnish study originally designed to evaluate whether dietary counseling starting in infancy could favorably modify cardiovascular risk factors across childhood and adolescence. Using data from this cohort, investigators assessed the cumulative exposure to cardiovascular risk factors from infancy through young adulthood and compared these patterns with cognitive performance measured at age 26 years.

According to Salo, the study demonstrated that cardiovascular risk factors present even in the earliest years of life may have measurable effects on cognitive function by young adulthood. The most consistent associations were observed between markers of obesity—specifically body mass index and waist circumference—and lipid profiles. Greater levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol were linked to less favorable cognitive outcomes, suggesting that metabolic and cardiovascular health may play an important role in brain development over time.

Salo emphasized that while the participants who underwent cognitive testing were relatively young and differences in cognitive performance were modest, these findings remain clinically meaningful. The variations observed did not significantly affect participants’ daily functioning, but they may have implications for long-term brain health.

Increased cognitive performance in early adulthood is thought to contribute to greater cognitive reserve, which can help individuals better withstand cognitive decline or impairment later in life. From this perspective, optimizing cardiovascular health during childhood may support healthier brain development and resilience across the lifespan.

When asked how clinicians can support cognitive development in children with cardiovascular risk factors, Salo highlighted the importance of identifying and addressing elevated risk early. However, he noted that a key takeaway from the study is that even children considered generally healthy may benefit from a more proactive approach to cardiovascular health, rather than limiting interventions only to those at highest risk.

Addressing cardiovascular risk factors in youth requires a broad, multifaceted strategy. Salo noted that incremental changes can have a substantial cumulative impact.

Potential strategies include educating parents and children in maternity clinics, schools, and daycare settings; ensuring access to nutritious meals in educational institutions; promoting physical activity through school programs and safe community spaces; and implementing public policies that make healthy lifestyle choices more accessible for families. Together, these small but consistent efforts may support both cardiovascular and cognitive health from childhood into adulthood.

No relevant disclosures.

Reference

Salo H, Pahkala K, Niinikoski H, et al. Cardiovascular risk factors from early childhood and cognitive function in young adulthood. Pediatrics. 2026. doi:10.1542/peds.2025-071353