Impact of Lifelong Socioeconomic Challenges on Cognitive Health
According to a study from UCL, people who have experienced low socioeconomic status at different points throughout their lives are more likely to develop mild cognitive impairment by the age of 50. The research, featured in the Journal of Epidemiology and Global Health, also highlights that even individuals who have fluctuated between socioeconomic levels face an increased chance of cognitive difficulties compared to those who have maintained a consistently higher status. The risk remained higher even after accounting for variables like education, smoking habits, and alcohol use.
The study found that those who consistently experienced lower socioeconomic conditions from birth through adulthood were at an 85% greater risk of cognitive decline by midlife. Long-term exposure to lower social status is often linked to heightened stress and inflammation, both of which can negatively impact mental and cardiovascular health, contributing to issues like dementia. This emphasizes the need to address social factors that affect health to reduce the long-term impact on cognitive well-being.
Early Life Conditions and Cognitive Health: Key Takeaways
This research drew on data from 6,590 individuals involved in the National Child Development Study (NCDS). The study collected socioeconomic information from various life stages, beginning at birth and extending into adulthood. Socioeconomic status during childhood was determined based on the father’s occupation, with higher-status jobs being professional or non-manual, and lower-status jobs classified as manual or unskilled. Researcher Chanthie Sahota highlighted the value of a life-course approach to fully understand how these social factors impact cognitive health in later years.
Dr. Dorina Cadar, the study’s senior author, pointed out that maintaining a stable, higher socioeconomic standing throughout life often leads to better access to quality education and resources, which are crucial for healthy cognitive development. Conversely, those who encountered lower socioeconomic status early in life may have had fewer educational opportunities, which could lead to lasting cognitive disadvantages. The research underscores the need for policies aimed at reducing disparities in access to essential resources, helping to improve long-term cognitive outcomes.