Neurocognitive risks of asthma during childhood

Abstract

The impact of chronic medical conditions on the developing brain has gained recent attention, but the neurocognitive risks associated with asthma, which has high prevalence in childhood, are still largely unknown. Recent findings have underscored that children with asthma may be at higher risk for developing cognitive difficulties. In this review, we examine the pathophysiology of asthma and its associations with brain and cognitive development based on rodent models and relatively scant research in humans. We also examine risk factors that may exacerbate asthma symptoms and neurocognitive outcomes, and we discuss why children may be particularly vulnerable to asthma-related neurocognitive consequences. We conclude by providing a framework for future research.