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Recent Improvements in Cognitive Functioning Among Older U.S. Adults: How Much Does Increasing Educational Attainment Explain?

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  • Amanda Leggett
  • Philippa Clarke
  • Kara Zivin
  • Ryan J McCammon
  • Michael R Elliott
  • Kenneth M Langa

Abstract

ObjectivesRecent interest has been generated about reports of declining incidence in cognitive impairment among more recently born cohorts. At the same time, attained education, which is related to cognition, has increased in recent cohorts of older adults. We examined cohort differences in cognitive function in a nationally representative sample of Americans aged 25 and older followed for 25 years (1986–2011) and considered the extent to which cohort differences in education account for differences.MethodData come from the Americans’ Changing Lives Study (N = 3,617). Multiple cohort latent growth models model trajectories of cognition (errors on the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire) across four 15-year birth cohorts. Demographic factors, educational attainment, and time-varying health conditions were covariates.ResultsSignificant cohort differences were found in the mean number of cognitive errors (e.g., 0.26 more errors at age 65 in cohort born pre-1932 vs cohort born 1947–1961, p < .001). Although demographic and health conditions were associated with level and rate of change in cognitive dysfunction, education solely accounted for cohort differences.DiscussionCompression of cognitive morbidity is seen among the highly educated, and increasing educational opportunities may be an important strategy for decreasing the risk for cognitive impairment in later life.

Suggested Citation

  • Amanda Leggett & Philippa Clarke & Kara Zivin & Ryan J McCammon & Michael R Elliott & Kenneth M Langa, 2019. "Recent Improvements in Cognitive Functioning Among Older U.S. Adults: How Much Does Increasing Educational Attainment Explain?," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 74(3), pages 536-545.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:74:y:2019:i:3:p:536-545.
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    File URL: http://hdl.handle.net/10.1093/geronb/gbw210
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Duane F. Alwin & Ryan J. McCammon, 2001. "Aging, Cohorts, and Verbal Ability," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 56(3), pages 151-161.
    2. John Mirowsky, 2011. "Cognitive Decline and the Default American Lifestyle," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 66(suppl_1), pages 50-58.
    3. Ryan P. Bowles & Kevin J. Grimm & John J. McArdle, 2005. "A Structural Factor Analysis of Vocabulary Knowledge and Relations to Age," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 60(5), pages 234-241.
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    1. Sean A. P. Clouston & Graciela Muniz Terrera & Joseph Lee Rodgers & Patrick O'Keefe & Frank D. Mann & Nathan A. Lewis & Linda Wänström & Jeffrey Kaye & Scott M. Hofer, 2021. "Cohort and Period Effects as Explanations for Declining Dementia Trends and Cognitive Aging," Population and Development Review, The Population Council, Inc., vol. 47(3), pages 611-637, September.

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