Adverse childhood experiences and subsequent impact on adulthood cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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