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The interactive effects of age, education, and BMI on cognitive functioning
Joshua W Kirton1, Vonetta M Dotson1,2
1a Department of Clinical and Health Psychology , University of Florida , Gainesville , FL 32610 , USA.
Summary
Obesity may accelerate cognitive aging. Higher education protected younger adults from executive deficits, but this effect diminished with higher body mass index (BMI), especially in older adults.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Psychology
Background:
- Obesity is linked to poorer cognitive function, particularly in processing speed, executive function, and working memory.
- Cognitive reserve, often indicated by education level, may buffer against cognitive decline.
- The interplay between body mass index (BMI), cognitive reserve, and age on cognitive abilities requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the moderating effects of age and cognitive reserve on the relationship between BMI and cognitive functions.
- To determine if higher education levels protect against BMI-related cognitive deficits across different age groups.
Main Methods:
- Fifty-six healthy older and younger adults completed a neuropsychological assessment and reported height and weight.
- Mixed effects models were employed to analyze the interactive effects of age, education (as a proxy for cognitive reserve), and BMI on cognitive performance.
- Cognitive outcomes included measures of processing speed, executive function, and working memory.
Main Results:
- Higher education was associated with better executive function in younger adults, but this protective effect was not observed in older adults.
- Age-related differences in executive function were attenuated by higher education levels.
- Conversely, higher BMI exacerbated age-related executive function deficits, particularly in older adults.
Conclusions:
- The relationship between cognitive reserve (education) and BMI varies significantly with age.
- Obesity may accelerate the cognitive aging process, especially concerning executive functions.
- Interventions targeting BMI and promoting cognitive reserve may be crucial for maintaining cognitive health across the lifespan.
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