Life-course socioeconomic conditions and cognitive performance in older adults: a cross-cohort comparison

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.

Automated summary

This study examined the associations between life-course socioeconomic conditions and cognitive performance in older adults. The findings suggest that socioeconomic disadvantage predicts lower cognitive performance across different domains, and individuals who experienced socioeconomic disadvantage performed worse than those who experienced upward social mobility. However, the associations between socioeconomic disadvantage and cognitive decline were less consistent.