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Influence of childhood socioeconomic position and ability on mid-life cognitive function: evidence from three British birth cohorts

Authors :
McElroy, Eoin
Richards, Marcus
Fitzsimons, Emla
Conti, Gabriella
Ploubidis, George B
Sullivan, Alice
Moulton, Vanessa
Source :
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health; 2021, Vol. 75 Issue: 7 p643-650, 8p
Publication Year :
2021

Abstract

BackgroundChildhood socioeconomic position (SEP) is robustly associated with cognitive function later in life. However, it is unclear whether this reflects a direct relationship, or an indirect association via modifiable factors such as educational attainment and occupation. We sought to clarify these associations using retrospectively harmonised data from three ongoing British birth cohorts.MethodsWe analysed data from the 1946 National Survey of Health and Development (n=2283), the 1958 National Child Development Study (n=9385) and the 1970 British Cohort Study (n=7631). Retrospective harmonisation was used to derive equivalent indicators of cognition, SEP, education and occupation across the three cohorts. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the association between childhood SEP and mid-life cognitive function, via childhood cognitive ability, educational attainment and mid-life occupation.ResultsAcross all three cohorts, no direct pathways were observed between childhood SEP and mid-life cognitive function. Rather, this association was indirect via the three temporally ordered mediators. In addition, the direct pathway between childhood cognition and adult cognitive function was weaker in the two younger studies.ConclusionsAcross three British birth cohorts, we found that the association between early life SEP and mid-life cognitive function was fully mediated by childhood cognitive ability, educational attainment and occupational status. Furthermore, the association between early cognitive ability and mid-life cognitive function has decreased in younger generations. Therefore, cognitive function in adulthood may be influenced by modifiable factors and societal change.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0143005X and 14702738
Volume :
75
Issue :
7
Database :
Supplemental Index
Journal :
Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health
Publication Type :
Periodical
Accession number :
ejs56731576
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1136/jech-2020-215637