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A new study suggests that asthma, a common chronic respiratory condition in children, may be linked to memory problems. Published in JAMA Network Open, this is the first research to show a connection between childhood asthma and cognitive deficits, specifically in memory. According to the findings, children with asthma might experience slower development in memory-related skills, potentially impacting long-term cognitive health.

“This study underscores the importance of looking at asthma as a potential source of cognitive difficulty in children,” said Simona Ghetti, senior researcher and professor of psychology at the University of California-Davis Center for Mind and Brain. “We are becoming increasingly aware that chronic diseases, not only asthma but also diabetes and heart disease, may place children at increased risk of cognitive difficulties,” Ghetti added. The study shows the need to better understand the factors that could either exacerbate or protect against such risks.

Researchers analysed data from over 2,000 children aged 9 and 10 with asthma across the United States, where approximately 4.6 million children live with this respiratory condition. During childhood, cognitive functions, including memory, typically undergo rapid development. However, Nicholas Christopher-Hayes, the study’s lead researcher and a doctoral candidate in psychology at UC Davis, found that children with asthma tend to score lower on tests of episodic memory—a type of memory associated with specific experiences and emotions.

In a follow-up with a smaller group of nearly 500 children tracked for two years, researchers observed that those with an earlier onset of asthma had a slower progression in memory development. This discovery raised concerns about potential long-term effects. "Asthma might set children on a trajectory that could increase their risk to later develop something more serious like dementia as adults,” Christopher-Hayes explained. Studies on older adults have indeed shown an association between asthma and a heightened risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The researchers suggest that the cognitive deficits observed in children with asthma could be due to the prolonged inflammation associated with asthma or frequent interruptions in oxygen flow to the brain during asthma attacks. Supporting this, laboratory studies on mice have shown that common asthma medications can affect the hippocampus, the brain region crucial to memory and learning.

How To Reduce Asthma Risk in Children

Given the potential cognitive risks associated with asthma, you may be wondering how to protect their child’s health. The following preventive measures can help manage asthma and support overall cognitive development.

1. Minimise Allergen Exposure: Common triggers for asthma, such as dust mites, pet dander, and mould, can often be minimised. Regularly clean and ventilate living spaces to reduce allergen buildup, and consider using hypoallergenic bedding.

2. Encourage a Healthy Diet: Foods rich in antioxidants, such as fruits and vegetables, can help support respiratory health and reduce inflammation. Omega-3 fatty acids, found in foods like fish and flaxseeds, may also have anti-inflammatory properties that benefit the lungs.

3. Promote Regular Physical Activity: Exercise is important for lung function, though it should be adapted to each child’s capacity to avoid triggering asthma symptoms. Activities like swimming, which can enhance respiratory health without overstraining the lungs, can be especially beneficial.

4. Maintain a Consistent Sleep Routine: Having a consistent sleep routine is essential for both asthma management and memory function. Disrupted sleep can worsen asthma symptoms and impair cognitive abilities.

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