Improved Cognitive Function in the Tromsø Study in Norway From 2001 to 2016

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Epidemiology
• Public Health

Background:

• Population-level physical and cardiovascular health show improvements.
• Cognitive function is influenced by birth cohort effects, but recent trends and causes in older adults remain debated.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate birth cohort differences in cognitive performance among older adults.
• To identify factors contributing to observed changes in cognition across birth cohorts.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of 9,514 participants from the Tromsø Study (born 1914-1956).
• Cognitive assessment using 4 tests across 3 waves (2001-2016).
• Linear regression adjusted for numerous health and lifestyle variables.

Main Results:

• Later-born cohorts demonstrated superior cognitive test scores compared to earlier-born cohorts across all age groups and sexes.
• Increased education, physical activity, and alcohol intake, alongside decreased smoking, contributed to cognitive improvements.
• Lifestyle factors accounted for one-third of the improvement in women and one-half in men.

Conclusions:

• Cognitive performance is demonstrably better in more recent birth cohorts when assessed at the same age.
• This overall cognitive enhancement spans all assessed domains.
• Lifestyle modifications, including education, physical activity, and moderate alcohol consumption, are key drivers of improved cognitive function in aging populations.