Work

Education reduces dementia incidence and mitigates genetic risk

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: There is little causal evidence on factors that can protect individuals against Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) risk. We study the causal effect of education on ADRD, exploiting a regression discontinuity generated by a compulsory schooling reform. ADRD was ascertained based on medical history, hospital records, and death registries, addressing concerns about selective sample attrition. We find that education reduces incidence of ADRD. Using molecular genetic data, we show that the reform weakened the relationship between genetics and ADRD incidence, implying genetic risk of dementia is not immutable and can be modified by social policy.

Source: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2529506123

Authors: Silvia H. Barcellos, Leandro S. Carvalho, Kenneth M. Langa, Sneha Nimmagadda, Patrick Turley

Institutions: University of Southern California, University of Wisconsin–Madison, University of Michigan, Institute for Social Research

Language: English

Topic: Dementia and Cognitive Impairment Research

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDGs: Good health and well-being, Quality education

Open Access status: hybrid

Funders: Russell Sage Foundation, National Institute on Aging