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Cognitive function in older adults according to current socioeconomic status
Michael Zhang1, Shawn D Gale, Lance D Erickson
1a Department of Psychology , Brigham Young University , Provo , UT , USA.
Summary
Current economic status is linked to cognitive function in older adults, even after accounting for childhood socioeconomic factors. This finding highlights the importance of late-life economic stability for maintaining cognitive health.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Cognitive function in aging is influenced by education, socioeconomic status (SES), sex, and health.
- Aging interacts with these factors, affecting cognition and dementia risk.
- Identifying modifiable factors influencing cognitive aging is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between late-life economic status and cognitive function.
- To determine if this association is independent of early-life socioeconomic status.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional analysis of 2592 older adults (mean age 71.6 years) from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES).
- Linear regression modeling was used to analyze demographic, socioeconomic, and cognitive function data.
- Cognitive function was assessed using a processing speed test.
Main Results:
- Cognitive function was significantly associated with poverty index scores (P < 0.001).
- This association remained significant after adjusting for educational attainment (childhood SES), ethnicity, age, health status, and sex.
- Current economic status independently predicted cognitive function in adults over 60.
Conclusions:
- Late-life economic status is an independent predictor of cognitive function in older adults.
- Findings suggest that current financial well-being plays a role in cognitive health, separate from earlier life circumstances.
- This highlights potential targets for interventions to support cognitive aging.
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