Life-course socioeconomic conditions and cognitive performance in older adults: a cross-cohort comparison. (3rd April 2023)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Schrempft, Stephanie; Trofimova, Olga; Künzi, Morgane; Draganski, Bogdan; Kliegel, Matthias; Stringhini, Silvia
• Is Part Of: Aging & mental health. Volume 27:Number 4(2023)
• Page Start: 745
• Page End: 754
• Publication Date: 2023-04-03
• Subjects: life course -- socioeconomic disadvantage -- social inequalities -- cognition -- cognitive performance -- cognitive reserve; Older people -- Mental health -- Periodicals; Geriatric psychiatry -- Periodicals; Older people -- Psychology -- Periodicals; Aging -- Psychological aspects -- Periodicals; Aged -- psychology -- periodicals; Mental Health -- periodicals; Mental Health Services -- periodicals; Aging -- psychology -- periodicals; Aged, 80 and over -- psychology -- periodicals; 618.97689
• DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2022.2084511
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1360-7863

Abstract

Abstract: Objectives: Socioeconomic disadvantage predicts the level of cognitive performance in old age, but findings have been mixed for trajectories of performance. This study examined associations between life-course socioeconomic conditions, including social mobility, and cognitive performance assessed in terms of level and change, across multiple cognitive domains in two independent cohorts of older adults. Methods: Data were from two Swiss population-based cohorts: CoLaus|PsyCoLaus ( N = 1210, mean age 72 years) and Vivre/Leben/Vivere ( N = 993, mean age 75 years). Verbal fluency, processing speed, cognitive flexibility, memory, and global cognitive performance were assessed at two time points, each spaced 6 years apart. Associations between socioeconomic conditions (father's occupation, parental education, own education, own occupation, household income, and social mobility) and cognitive performance were examined within each cohort, and using pooled data. Covariates included health behaviors, comorbidities, and depressive symptoms. Results: Across cohorts, socioeconomic disadvantage predicted a lower level of performance across different cognitive domains, including processing speed, verbal fluency, and memory. Moreover, individuals who experienced life-course socioeconomic disadvantage performed worse than those who experienced upward social mobility. Associations between socioeconomic disadvantage and cognitive decline were less consistent. Conclusion: Life-course socioeconomic conditions predict performance level across different cognitive domains, and, to a lesser extent, performance trajectories.