Wealth and education play key role in dementia prevention
Scientists from University College London (UCL) have shown that education level, type of job, and wealth can significantly influence the likelihood of developing dementia or cognitive impairment later in life.
2:21 PM EST, November 6, 2024
According to the Polish Press Agency, the study, published in the journal "Scientific Reports," involved 8,442 adults in England aged 50 and older. Over a span of ten years (from 2008/09 to 2018/19), changes in their cognitive state were analyzed, with a focus on how socio-economic factors at the beginning of the study affected their cognitive health.
The results showed that individuals with higher education—such as university or college graduates—working in managerial or specialist positions and belonging to the wealthiest one-third of society experienced the transition from a healthy cognitive state to mild cognitive impairment or dementia less frequently. In contrast, individuals with lower education, performing manual or routine jobs, and being less wealthy were more vulnerable to such changes.
For example, having higher education was associated with a 43% lower risk of transitioning from a healthy cognitive state to mild cognitive impairment. Meanwhile, the wealthiest individuals were 26% less likely to develop dementia from previously existing mild cognitive impairment.
Moreover, privileged groups had a greater chance of recovering from mild cognitive impairment. Wealthier study participants had a 56% greater probability of regaining full cognitive function, and individuals with higher education or performing jobs requiring specialized qualifications had up to an 81% greater chance of improvement compared to their less privileged peers.
"Our study highlights the critical role of wealth, education, and occupation not only in reducing the risk of transitioning from mild cognitive impairment to dementia but also in increasing the likelihood of reversing cognitive impairment to a healthy state, which is promising," said Dr. Dorina Cadar, the senior author of the study, as quoted by PAP.
The key significance of research findings
The researchers believe this study is crucial for improving the quality of life in later years and for "reducing the long-term burden on healthcare systems, families, and society as a whole."
They suggest that higher education and jobs requiring intense intellectual activity may provide greater mental stimulation and build a stronger brain reserve. Additionally, individuals with higher socio-economic status have better access to healthcare and health-promoting resources, such as a healthy diet, regular physical activity, and preventive healthcare.
Although the study did not explain how socio-economic factors affect cognitive health, the results underscore the importance of social policies supporting mental and cognitive well-being at all income levels.
"Our findings show the potential protective power of financial stability and access to resources in promoting brain health and cognitive resilience," notes Dr. Cadar.
