Cognitive function in older adults according to current socioeconomic status

Keywords

cognitive function, dementia, older adults, poverty index, socioeconomic standing

Abstract

Cognitive function may be influenced by education, socioeconomic status, sex, and health status. Furthermore, aging interacts with these factors to influence cognition and dementia risk in late life. Factors that may increase or decrease successful cognitive aging are of critical importance, particularly if they are modifiable. The purpose of this study was to determine if economic status in late life is associated with cognition independent of socioeconomic status in early life. Cross-sectional demographic, socioeconomic, and cognitive function data were obtained in 2592 older adults (average age 71.6 years) from the Center for Disease Control’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) and analyzed with linear regression modeling. Cognitive function, as measured with a test of processing speed, was significantly associated with poverty index scores after adjusting for educational attainment as an estimate of childhood socioeconomic status, ethnic background, age, health status, and sex (P < 0.001). Our findings suggest that current economic status is independently associated with cognitive function in adults over age 60 years.

Original Publication Citation

Zhang, Michael, Shawn D. Gale, Lance D. Erickson, Bruce L. Brown, Parker Woody, and Dawson W. Hedges. (2015). “Cognitive Function in Older Adults According to Current Socioeconomic Status: A Cross-Sectional Study.” Aging, Neuropsychology and Cognition. 22(5): 534-43. DOI: 10.1080/13825585.2014.997663.

Document Type

Peer-Reviewed Article

Publication Date

2014-05-06

Permanent URL

http://hdl.lib.byu.edu/1877/5577

Publisher

Aging, Neuropsychology, and Cognition

Language

English

College

Family, Home, and Social Sciences

Department

Sociology

University Standing at Time of Publication

Associate Professor

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