Work

How childhood state education quality shapes the risk of cognitive impairment in mid‐to‐later life

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Introduction: Education is a key predictor of cognitive impairment, yet most research focuses on educational attainment rather than educational quality as an early-life determinant. Methods: We linked data from the 2000-2020 Health and Retirement Study to historical records on state public education systems. Using multinomial logistic regression, we examined whether state-level education quality in childhood-measured by funding sources and educational resources-was associated with the incidence of cognitive impairment, with or without dementia, among Black and White adults aged 55 and older. Results: White adults who grew up in states with more heavily state-funded education systems had an increased risk of cognitive impairment. Greater state-level educational resources were associated with a decreased risk of cognitive impairment among both White and Black adults. Associations did not differ by race. Conclusion: State-level educational quality is an important determinant of later-life cognitive impairment risk for White and Black adults.

Source: Alzheimer s & Dementia Behavior & Socioeconomics of Aging

DOI: 10.1002/bsa3.70061

Authors: Hyungmin Cha, Mateo P. Farina, Heide M. Jackson, Jennifer A. Ailshire, Katrina M. Walsemann

Institutions: University of Washington, The University of Texas at Austin, Maryland Population Research Center, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Southern California

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Reduced inequalities, Quality education

Open Access status: diamond

Funder: National Institute on Aging