Early Life Influences on Later Life Dementia Risk
Author Information
Author(s): Herd Pamela, Asthana Sanjay, Engelman Michal, Sicinski Kamil, Trane Ralph, Williams Victoria
Primary Institution: Georgetown University, University of Wisconsin Madison
Hypothesis
How does early life cognitive function influence the relationship between education and later life dementia risk?
Conclusion
Lower early life cognitive function increases the risk for Alzheimer's dementia, while education does not mediate this relationship.
Supporting Evidence
- Each additional year of education reduces dementia risk by 7 percent.
- Lower early life cognitive function increases the risk for Alzheimer's dementia.
- Education has a stronger relationship with non-Alzheimer's dementia.
Takeaway
If you don't do well in school when you're young, you might have a higher chance of getting Alzheimer's when you're older, but going to school doesn't change that risk.
Methodology
The study uses data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, tracking participants' early life cognition and educational histories to assess dementia risk.
Participant Demographics
Participants are from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study, assessed as they reach their mid 80s.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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