Socioeconomic factors such as education, occupation, and wealth have a significant impact on the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment or dementia in later life, as well as the ability to recover from these conditions. A recent study conducted by researchers at University College London followed 8,442 adults aged 50 and above in England over a period of 10 years to investigate how socioeconomic factors at the beginning of the study influenced changes in cognitive status.
The study, published in Scientific Reports, tracked participants as they moved between various cognitive states, including healthy, mild cognitive impairment, and dementia. The researchers collected information on socioeconomic factors through a self-completion questionnaire and assessed cognitive impairment using a combination of sources such as doctor’s diagnoses, cognitive test results, and self-reported symptoms.
The findings revealed that individuals from more advantaged socioeconomic backgrounds, such as those with post-secondary education, managerial or professional occupations, and higher wealth, were less likely to transition from a healthy cognitive state to mild cognitive impairment or from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. In contrast, individuals with lower levels of education, manual or routine occupations, and lower wealth were at a higher risk of cognitive decline.
Moreover, individuals from advantaged backgrounds were more likely to recover from mild cognitive impairment and return to a healthy cognitive state. Factors such as education, occupation, and wealth played a crucial role in improving cognitive resilience and brain health, highlighting the importance of social policies that support mental and cognitive well-being across all income levels.
While the study did not provide specific explanations for the impact of socioeconomic factors on cognitive health, the researchers suggested that education and intellectually demanding jobs could offer mental stimulation and build a stronger brain reserve. Additionally, individuals with higher education and wealth may have better access to health care and resources that promote cognitive health, such as a nutritious diet and exercise.
The researchers hope that these findings will pave the way for further research into how socioeconomic factors, particularly wealth, can protect against cognitive impairment and promote healthy cognitive aging. By understanding the role of education, occupation, and wealth in cognitive health, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop strategies to support brain health and enhance cognitive resilience in aging populations.
