A study conducted by researchers at Ohio State University analyzed data from 7,068 elderly Americans to explore factors influencing cognitive decline over 20 years, from 1996 to 2016. While dementia accounted for 41% of cognitive decline, other variables such as education, race, and socioeconomic status contributed only 5.6% to the variability in cognitive changes with age, leaving 77% unexplained. The research highlights significant gaps in understanding the drivers of cognitive decline, emphasizing the need for further investigation to develop effective aging strategies.
The study distinguished between age-related cognitive decline and other decline types, concluding age alone accounted for 23% of changes in cognitive function. Variables like personal education, income, occupation, and mental health were identified as major statistical contributors to cognitive function variations at age 54. Authors Hui Zheng and Kathleen Cagney stressed the necessity of uncovering underlying factors that contribute to cognitive decline to inform medical policies and treatment strategies. Their research underscores the importance of understanding life experiences and socioeconomic conditions in shaping cognitive health and the urgency to identify determinants affecting the rate of cognitive decline and dementia progression. The findings were published in the journal PLOS ONE.
