Socio-economic status linked to dementia risk management
Scientists from University College London have demonstrated that education level, type of job, and wealth can significantly influence the likelihood of developing dementia or cognitive impairment later in life.
The study, published in the journal Scientific Reports, covered 8,442 adults in England aged 50 and older. Over ten years (from 2008/09 to 2018/19), changes in their cognitive state were analysed, focusing on the impact of socio-economic factors noted at the start of the observation.
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 often. Compared to them, 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 specialised qualifications—up to 81% greater chances of improvement compared to 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 cognitive state, which is promising," said Dr Dorina Cadar, the senior author of the study.
The key significance of research findings
The researcher believes this is crucial for improving quality of life in later years and "reducing the long-term burden of cognitive impairment on healthcare systems, families, and society as a whole."
The researchers 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 health prevention.
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 highlight the potential protective power of financial stability and access to resources in promoting brain health and cognitive resilience, underscoring the importance of social policies that support mental and cognitive wellbeing across all income levels," notes Dr Cadar.
