EDUCATION AND MIDLIFE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING: EVIDENCE ABOUT MEDIATORS FROM THE HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND COHORT
2024

Education and Midlife Cognitive Functioning

Sample size: 12530 publication

Author Information

Author(s): Warren John, Muller Chandra, Grodsky Eric, Brickman Adam, Manly Jennifer

Hypothesis

Do schools’ social and academic contexts, students’ schooling outcomes, and students’ degree completion independently predict cognitive outcomes?

Conclusion

Education influences cognitive functioning and the risk of Alzheimer's disease through various social and biological pathways.

Supporting Evidence

  • Educational attainment is linked to cognitive functioning and Alzheimer's disease risk.
  • The study explores how different aspects of education affect cognitive outcomes.

Takeaway

Going to school helps your brain stay healthy as you get older, and it's not just about getting a diploma.

Methodology

The study used a nationally representative sample and estimated associations between schooling aspects and cognition, considering mediating socioeconomic and biological factors.

Participant Demographics

Nationally representative sample of Americans followed from high school to age ~60.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2871

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