Education, wealth are key to reducing dementia risk, study finds
Scientists from University College London (UCL) have demonstrated that education level, type of job, and wealth can significantly influence the likelihood of developing dementia or cognitive impairment later in life.
According to the Polish Press Agency, 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 analyzed, 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 specialized qualifications—up to 81% greater chances of improvement than less privileged peers.
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," said Dr. Dorina Cadar, the senior author of the study, as quoted by PAP.
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 on healthcare systems, families, and society.
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 socioeconomic factors affect cognitive health, the results underscore the importance of social policies supporting mental and cognitive well-being at all income levels.
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. These resources could also offer opportunities to stabilise or improve cognitive function, especially when cognitive impairment is detected early," notes Dr. Cadar.
