Obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, alcohol and drug abuse, cardiovascular disease and mental illness are mid-life factors that follow early life stress, Professor Broe said.

All are known causes of early death and disability in Aboriginal people and all are known risk factors for later-life dementia in non-Indigenous studies.

Only by ensuring that children enjoy a positive and supportive early life, and therefore normal brain development, will we see good adult outcomes and Aboriginal health problems solved.

About the study: The largest investigation of its kind ever undertaken in Australia, the Koori Growing Old Well study is collecting data from 500 people aged over 60 in six Urban/Regional NSW communities. The study is being conducted with Aboriginal researchers and in collaboration with Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, using a life cycle approach that examines risk factors for health, ageing and dementia from childhood through adult life. It will be completed in early 2012.

The Brain Sciences UNSW symposium The Developing Brain “ from Womb to Tomb includes presentations from Australasia ™s leading brain scientists.

For full program details, go to: www.brainsciences.unsw.au