Citation
Zeki Al Hazzouri, Adina; Haan, Mary N.; Galea, Sandro; & Aiello, Allison E. (2011). Life-Course Exposure to Early Socioeconomic Environment, Education in Relation to Late-Life Cognitive Function among Older Mexicans and Mexican Americans. Journal of Aging and Health, 23(7), 1027-1049. PMCID: PMC3412879Abstract
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 (beta = 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.
URL
http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0898264311421524Reference Type
Journal ArticleYear Published
2011Journal Title
Journal of Aging and HealthAuthor(s)
Zeki Al Hazzouri, AdinaHaan, Mary N.
Galea, Sandro
Aiello, Allison E.