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Early life conditions and cognitive functioning in later life
Susan A Everson-Rose1, Carlos F Mendes de Leon, Julia L Bienias
1Rush Institute for Healthy Aging, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. Susan_Everson@rush.edu
American Journal of Epidemiology
|November 25, 2003
Summary
Early life socioeconomic position (SEP) and cognitive milieu influence adult cognitive function but do not prevent cognitive decline in old age. This study found no link between childhood conditions and cognitive change over time.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Sociology
Background:
- Early life conditions impact cognitive development throughout life.
- The relationship between early life factors and cognitive change in older adults remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between childhood socioeconomic position (SEP) and cognitive milieu with cognitive change in older adults.
- To determine if early life conditions influence the trajectory of cognitive function in aging.
Main Methods:
- A population-based sample of 4,398 adults aged 65+ in Chicago was analyzed.
- Cognitive function change was assessed using a global cognitive index over an average of 5.3 years.
- Statistical models controlled for age, sex, race, and education.
Main Results:
- Childhood SEP and cognitive milieu were not significantly associated with cognitive change over time.
- Higher childhood SEP and a richer cognitive milieu were linked to a higher absolute level of cognitive function at baseline.
- These early life factors did not demonstrate a protective effect against cognitive decline in old age.
Conclusions:
- While beneficial for baseline cognitive function, childhood socioeconomic position and cognitive milieu do not appear to mitigate age-related cognitive decline.
- Future research could explore other factors influencing cognitive trajectories in later life.