Relationship between education and age-related cognitive decline: a review of recent research

Megan Elizabeth Lenehan; Mathew J Summers; Nichole Louise Saunders; J J Summers; James C Vickers

doi:10.1111/psyg.12083

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Relationship between education and age-related cognitive decline: a review of recent research

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Relationship between education and age-related cognitive decline: a review of recent research

Megan Elizabeth Lenehan, Mathew J Summers, Nichole Louise Saunders, J J Summers and James C Vickers

Psychogeriatrics, Vol.15(2), pp.154-162

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/psyg.12083

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Abstract

Neurosciences

Other Medical and Health Sciences

age-related cognitive decline

ageing

dementia

education

neuropsychological

The association between level of educational attainment and cognitive performance is well studied. People with higher education perform better across a broad range of cognitive tasks. However, there is uncertainty as to whether education moderates the trajectory of age-related cognitive decline. This review paper addresses the potential link between education and age-related cognitive decline by evaluating relevant research published since 2000. Studies reporting data on education and its association with the rate of cognitive decline across various cognitive domains were reviewed. A total of 10 studies were identified with a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years; each contained a population-based, non-demented sample. In the majority of studies, results showed that education did not moderate age-associated cognitive decline. The few studies that did find an association between education and decline in specific cognitive functions should be interpreted with caution because of methodological issues. The literature reveals little consistent evidence that normal age-related cognitive decline is moderated by education attainment. This supports a passive theory of cognitive reserve: people with a higher level of education will continue to perform at a higher level of cognitive functioning than their lower educated peers, which may delay the onset of impairment in the future.

Details

Title: Relationship between education and age-related cognitive decline: a review of recent research
Authors: Megan Elizabeth Lenehan (Author) - University of Tasmania
Mathew J Summers (Author) - University of Tasmania
Nichole Louise Saunders (Author) - University of Tasmania
J J Summers (Author) - University of Tasmania
James C Vickers (Author) - University of Tasmania
Publication details: Psychogeriatrics, Vol.15(2), pp.154-162
Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell Publishing Asia
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1111/psyg.12083
ISSN: 1346-3500
Organisation Unit: School of Health; School of Social Sciences - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health - Psychology; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99448623302621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Geriatrics & Gerontology; Psychiatry

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