Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 4, 2025

Assessment of Age-related Changes in Cognitive Functions Using EmoCogMeter, a Novel Tablet-computer Based Approach
Published on: February 14, 2014
Life-course socioeconomic conditions and cognitive performance in older adults: a cross-cohort comparison
Stephanie Schrempft1, Olga Trofimova2, Morgane Künzi3,4,5
1Division of Primary Care, Unit of Population Epidemiology, Division of Primary Care Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland.
Objectives:
Socioeconomic disadvantage predicts the level of cognitive performance in old age, but findings have been mixed for trajectories of performance. This study examined associations between life-course socioeconomic conditions, including social mobility, and cognitive performance assessed in terms of level and change, across multiple cognitive domains in two independent cohorts of older adults.
Methods:
Data were from two Swiss population-based cohorts: CoLaus|PsyCoLaus (N = 1210, mean age 72 years) and Vivre/Leben/Vivere (N = 993, mean age 75 years). Verbal fluency, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, memory, and global cognitive performance were assessed at two time points, each spaced 6 years apart. Associations between socioeconomic conditions (father's occupation, parental education, own education, own occupation, household income, and social mobility) and cognitive performance were examined within each cohort, and using pooled data. Covariates included health behaviors, comorbidities, and depressive symptoms.
Results:
Across cohorts, socioeconomic disadvantage predicted a lower level of performance across different cognitive domains, including processing speed, verbal fluency, and memory. Moreover, individuals who experienced life-course socioeconomic disadvantage performed worse than those who experienced upward social mobility. Associations between socioeconomic disadvantage and cognitive decline were less consistent.
Conclusion:
Life-course socioeconomic conditions predict performance level across different cognitive domains, and, to a lesser extent, performance trajectories.
More Related Videos
06:58Highlighting and Reducing the Impact of Negative Aging Stereotypes During Older Adults' Cognitive Testing
Published on: January 24, 2020
09:01A Method for Investigating Age-related Differences in the Functional Connectivity of Cognitive Control Networks Associated with Dimensional Change Card Sort Performance
Published on: May 7, 2014
Related Concept Videos
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Information Processing Approach
Language and Cognition
Cognitive Development During Adolescence
Biological Influences on Intelligence
Aging
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...