The study focused on episodic memory, which involves recalling experiences and emotions, to assess the cognitive impact of asthma.

Asthma is a chronic lung condition that affects approximately 260 million people globally, including around 4.6 million children in the United States.

This respiratory condition, triggered by inflammation, poses significant public health concerns due to its prevalence and impact on children's health.

Recent research published in Jama Network Open indicates that early onset of asthma may worsen memory deficits in children, suggesting it could be a cognitive risk factor.

The study tracked 473 children with asthma over two years, revealing potential long-term implications, including an increased risk of dementia later in life.

Senior author Simona Ghetti emphasizes the importance of considering chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease as contributors to cognitive difficulties in children.

The research involved contributions from additional authors, including Sarah C. Haynes, Nicholas J. Kenyon, Julie B. Schweitzer, and Vidya Merchant, and was funded by UC Davis and the National Institutes of Health.

Data for the study was sourced from the National Institutes of Health's Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development study, which began in 2015 and includes a large cohort of 11,800 children.

Prior animal studies have suggested that common asthma medications may affect the hippocampus, a brain region crucial for episodic memory.

The findings highlight the need for further research into how chronic conditions like asthma may influence cognitive development in children.