Chronic Financial Stress Linked to Brain Shrinkage and Dementia Risk, Study Finds

Stress caused by long-term financial problems can affect the brain’s ageing process, according to new findings that link chronic economic hardship to cognitive decline, brain shrinkage, and an increased risk of dementia.

The study, conducted by scientists from University College London, involved 2,759 people in the UK. Researchers found that at age 53, individuals who experienced financial difficulties had lower cognitive function compared to those who did not face such problems.

“The accumulation of hardship over many years is associated with the worst cognitive health outcomes, rather than just occasional difficulties,” said study researcher Jacques Wels, as reported by Euronews on Wednesday (9/7/2026).

The study also discovered that people who experienced persistent financial hardship or prolonged low income from early adulthood to midlife scored worse on cognitive tests at age 53. Furthermore, they showed significant brain atrophy by the time they reached 71.

Researchers observed that this group had a slower rate of verbal memory decline between the ages of 53 and 69. According to them, this indicates that a substantial decline in cognitive ability had likely already occurred before middle age.

Wels explained that the link may be caused by an increased cognitive load due to financial pressure. This condition reduces the mental capacity available for functions such as attention and decision-making.

“The experience of persistent financial hardship during adulthood can place chronic stress on systems involved in cognitive processing and lead to impaired cognitive function over time,” Wels said.