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Recent Improvements in Cognitive Functioning Among Older U.S. Adults: How Much Does Increasing Educational Attainment
Amanda Leggett1, Philippa Clarke2,3, Kara Zivin1,4,2,5,6
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor.
Summary
Higher education levels in recent birth cohorts are linked to better cognitive function, potentially reducing cognitive impairment risk. This study highlights education
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cognitive Science
- Public Health
Background:
- Reports suggest declining cognitive impairment incidence in more recent birth cohorts.
- Educational attainment has increased in older adult cohorts, correlating with cognitive function.
Purpose of the Study:
- Examine cohort differences in cognitive function among Americans aged 25+.
- Determine if educational attainment explains observed cohort differences in cognition.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Americans' Changing Lives Study (N = 3,617) from 1986-2011.
- Employed multiple cohort latent growth models to analyze cognitive trajectories (Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire errors).
- Controlled for demographic factors, educational attainment, and health conditions.
Main Results:
- Significant cohort differences in cognitive errors were observed (e.g., pre-1932 vs. 1947-1961 cohorts).
- Education was the sole factor accounting for cohort differences in cognitive function.
- Demographics and health influenced cognitive dysfunction but did not explain cohort variations.
Conclusions:
- Increasing educational opportunities may decrease the risk of cognitive impairment.
- Highly educated individuals exhibit a compression of cognitive morbidity.
- Education is a key factor in understanding and mitigating cognitive decline across cohorts.
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