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Stressful life experiences such as the death of a child, divorce, or losing a job could age the brain by at least four years, new research suggests.

Experts from the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health in America found 27 stressful events that could be links to poorer cognitive function in later life.

Experiencing just one major stressful event early in life can have an impact on later brain health, the study found.

Researchers examined data from 1,320 people who underwent a series of neurological tests examining several areas, including memory.

A total of 1,232 participants were white and 82 were African American. All had reported stressful experiences over their lifetime. The average age of participants was 58.

The study found that African Americans experienced over 60 per cent more stressful events than white people over their lifetimes.

The study has not been published in a peer-reviewed journal but it was presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in London.

The study did not look at the risk of dementia, however stressful experiences are known to impact brain function, which can itself lead to dementia in later life. Other research has suggested plausible links between stress and chronic inflammation, which could accelerate the development of dementia.

Dr Maria Carrillo, chief science officer for the Alzheimer's Association, said: "The stressful events that the researchers were focusing on were a large variety... the death of a parent, abuse, loss of a job, loss of a home... poverty, living in a disadvantaged neighbourhood, divorce."

She added that for some children, even the act of moving school could be a stressful life event.

Dr Doug Brown, director of research and development at the Alzheimer's Society, said: "We know that prolonged stress can have an impact on our health, so it's no surprise that this study indicates stressful life events may also affect our memory and thinking abilities later in life.

"However, it remains to be established whether these stressful life events can lead to an increased risk of dementia.”

Dr Brown said that while studying the role of stress is complex, the findings show that “more should be done to support people from disadvantaged communities that are more likely to experience stressful life events”.