Education and Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Yuan, Yu Xuexin, Cho Tsai-Chin, Zhang Pengyuan (Kelvin), Langa Kenneth, Weir David, Gross Alden, Kobayashi Lindsay
Primary Institution: Columbia University, University of Michigan, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Does educational attainment impact later-life cognitive function in high- and middle-income countries?
Conclusion
Higher educational attainment is linked to better cognitive function in older adults across various countries.
Supporting Evidence
- Educational attainment is associated with better cognitive function.
- Cognitive function scores in Mexico, China, and India were lower than in the US and England.
- Higher educational attainment explained 50%–90% of cognitive function differences across countries.
Takeaway
Learning more in school can help older people think better as they age, especially in poorer countries.
Methodology
Data from the US Health and Retirement Study and similar studies in England, Mexico, China, and India were analyzed.
Participant Demographics
Participants included older adults from high- and middle-income countries.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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