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Wealthy individuals are less likely to suffer from cognitive issues, says study
Cognitive impairment in old age is a major risk factor for mortality and poor brain health significantly affects quality of life.
While many studies have well-established the influence of genetics, lifestyle, and diet on cognition, the latest research shows people with higher education and wealth are less likely to suffer from cognitive impairment.
Wealthy and educated people have better brain health
Researchers from the University College London wanted to understand the impact of socioeconomic factors on cognitive impairment in old age, so they followed �8,442 adults aged 50 and above in England over 10 years.
They found that education and wealth do impact a person’s ability to think and function properly later in life and those with more money experienced fewer symptoms of brain-related issues.
The study says people from more socioeconomically advantaged backgrounds, particularly those with post-secondary school education and in managerial positions at work were less likely to go from a healthy cognitive state to mild cognitive impairment.
While those who went to college or university faced a 43% less chance of suffering mild cognitive impairment, the wealthier population had a 26% lower chance�of experiencing dementia.
Researchers explain the link between bank account and cognition
Not only do people who hail from better socioeconomic backgrounds face a lower risk of poor brain health, but they also have better chances of returning from mild cognitive impairment to a healthy cognitive state.
Compared to socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, wealthy individuals were 56% more likely�to improve.
People in better jobs as opposed to those working in manual occupations had an 81% chance of recovering from cognitive impairment.
While the study doesn’t exactly explain the link between socioeconomic factors and cognitive health, researchers believe a number of factors come into play.
“It is possible that education and intellectually demanding jobs provide more mental stimulation and help to build a stronger brain reserve to help protect individuals against cognitive impairment and dementia,” said Aswathikutty Gireesh, the lead author of the study.
“Additionally, people with higher education, more intellectually demanding jobs, and wealth have better access to healthcare and health-promoting resources such as a nutritious diet, exercise, and preventive care all of which can support cognitive health,” she continued.
