New! Sign up for our free email newsletter.
Science News
from research organizations

Most deprived are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia

Date:
May 16, 2018
Source:
University College London
Summary:
Older adults in England with fewer financial resources are more likely to develop dementia, according to new research.
Share:
FULL STORY

Older adults in England with fewer financial resources are more likely to develop dementia, according to new UCL research.

Researchers analysed data from over 6000 adults born between 1902 and 1943 and found that the 20% most deprived adults were 50% more likely to develop dementia than the 20% least deprived adults.

The study, published today in JAMA Psychiatry, is the first of its kind to determine which socioeconomic factors influence dementia and found limited wealth in late life is associated with increased risk of dementia, independent of education.

"Dementia is a progressive neurodegenerative condition with devastating consequences to individuals, their families and governments around the world. Our efforts are unified in identifying the risk factors associated with a delay in the onset of dementia or a slower progression." said lead author, Dr Dorina Cadar (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health). "Our findings demonstrate that socioeconomic determinants influence dementia incidence, suggesting a higher risk for individuals with fewer financial resources."

Researchers analysed data from the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA), a prospective cohort study that is representative of the English population. Two independent groups were derived using a median split (born between 1902-1925 and 1926-1943) to investigate if there were differences over time.

The authors found that socioeconomic inequalities were more prominent for individuals born in later years (from 1926 onwards) than in those born earlier in the 20th century.

Professor Andrew Steptoe (UCL Institute of Epidemiology & Health), senior author of the study, explained: "Our study confirms that the risk of dementia is reduced among well-off older people compared with those who have fewer economic resources. Many factors could be involved. Differences in healthy lifestyle and medical risk factors are relevant. It may also be that better off people have greater social and cultural opportunities that allow them to remain actively engaged with the world."

Dr Cadar added: "The research demonstrates the importance of socioeconomic influences on dementia incidence. We hope our findings help inform public health strategies for dementia prevention evidencing why socioeconomic gaps should be targeted to reduce health disparities and enhance engagement in socio-cultural activities that ultimately contribute to a higher mental resilience or cognitive reserve."


Story Source:

Materials provided by University College London. Note: Content may be edited for style and length.


Journal Reference:

  1. Dorina Cadar, Camille Lassale, Hilary Davies, David J. Llewellyn, G. David Batty, Andrew Steptoe. Individual and Area-Based Socioeconomic Factors Associated With Dementia Incidence in England: Evidence From a 12-Year Follow-up in the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing. JAMA Psychiatry, 2018; DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2018.1012

Cite This Page:

University College London. "Most deprived are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 16 May 2018. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180516131231.htm>.
University College London. (2018, May 16). Most deprived are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia. ScienceDaily. Retrieved March 27, 2024 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180516131231.htm
University College London. "Most deprived are nearly twice as likely to develop dementia." ScienceDaily. www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/05/180516131231.htm (accessed March 27, 2024).

Explore More

from ScienceDaily

RELATED STORIES