THE EFFECTS OF NEIGHBORHOOD, NETWORK, AND INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION LEVELS ON COGNITIVE HEALTH
2024

Effects of Education on Cognitive Health

Sample size: 161 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Webster Noah, Zahodne Laura, Antonucci Toni, Ajrouch Kristine

Primary Institution: University of Michigan

Hypothesis

How do neighborhood, network, and individual education levels affect cognitive health in older adults?

Conclusion

Having a greater proportion of social network members with a bachelor’s degree is associated with better cognitive health in older adults.

Supporting Evidence

  • Greater education is associated with better cognitive health.
  • The study highlights the importance of educational resources within social networks.

Takeaway

People who have friends and family with more education tend to think better as they get older.

Methodology

The study analyzed data from older adults who reported their education and the education of their social network members, followed by cognitive assessments five years later.

Participant Demographics

Respondents age 60 and older from Metro Detroit.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.1166

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