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. 2011 Oct;23(7):1027-49.
doi: 10.1177/0898264311421524.

Life-course exposure to early socioeconomic environment, education in relation to late-life cognitive function among older Mexicans and Mexican Americans

Adina Zeki Al Hazzouri  1 , Mary N Haan, Sandro Galea, Allison E Aiello
Affiliations

Life-course exposure to early socioeconomic environment, education in relation to late-life cognitive function among older Mexicans and Mexican Americans

Adina Zeki Al Hazzouri et al. J Aging Health. 2011 Oct.

Abstract

Objectives: To examine the associations between life-course education and late-life cognitive function along with the modifying role of migration history.

Method: The combined sample includes 1,789 participants from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging and 5,253 participants from the Mexican Health and Aging Study. Aged 60+ at baseline, participants were classified as Mexican residents, Mexicans-return migrants, Mexicans-immigrants to the United States, and Mexicans-U.S. born. Cognitive function was measured using standardized z scores of a short-term verbal recall test. Multivariate linear regression analysis was conducted.

Results: Participants' z scores were higher among those whose mother had more than elementary education (β = 0.28, p < .05). Participant's education mediated this association. For 5-year difference in education, the cognitive z score increased by 0.3 points for a U.S. born. Results were similar with father's education.

Discussion: Adult educational attainment mediates the effect of childhood socioeconomic status on late-life cognition. Migration plays a role in shaping cognitive aging.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Distribution of cognitive z-scores by migration status
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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