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• A UCL study found that socio-economic factors like education, occupation, and wealth significantly influence dementia risk.
• Individuals with post-secondary education or wealth were less likely to transition from a healthy cognitive state to mild cognitive impairment or dementia.
• These advantaged individuals were also more likely to recover from mild cognitive impairment and return to a healthy cognitive state.
• The findings could have significant implications for future strategies aimed at preventing and treating cognitive impairment and dementia.

The study of dementia and cognitive impairment has been a significant focus in the medical field, particularly in relation to the impact of socio-economic factors. A recent study conducted by researchers from University College London (UCL) has found that education, occupation, and wealth can significantly influence the likelihood of developing cognitive impairment or dementia in later life. The study also found that these factors can impact whether a person is likely to recover from such conditions.

The research team, led by Aswathikutty Gireesh from UCL Epidemiology and Health Care, used a method of estimating the time spent in each cognitive state and the likelihood of transitions to neuro-cognitive disorders such as cognitive impairment and dementia. This approach allowed them to gain a comprehensive understanding of how socio-economic factors impact the progression of a person's disorder, as well as the duration spent within each cognitive state over time.

The study found that individuals from more socioeconomically advantaged backgrounds were less likely to transition from a healthy cognitive state to mild cognitive impairment, or from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. This was compared to those with primary education (no higher than secondary school), working in manual or routine occupations, and in the most socioeconomically disadvantaged third of the population.

The Role of Education and Wealth in Cognitive Health

For instance, having a post-secondary education level was linked with a 43 per cent lower chance of moving from a healthy cognitive state to mild cognitive impairment. Meanwhile, being in the wealthiest third of the population was linked with a 26 per cent lower chance of shifting from mild cognitive impairment to dementia.

Notably, these advantaged individuals were also more likely to recover from mild cognitive impairment and return to a healthy cognitive state. Wealthy individuals were 56 per cent more likely and those with post-secondary education level or working in manual occupation were 81 per cent more likely to improve, compared to socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals.

The researchers also considered the possibility of reversals, where individuals improved from a mild cognitive impairment state to a healthy one. This potential recovery is critical for enhancing the quality of life in later years. The study findings showed that a multidomain intervention is feasible to conduct in community settings and thereafter continued as a home-based program among older persons with cognitive frailty.

Supporting Studies and Future Implications

In addition to the primary source of information, several other relevant news sources provided further context and support for these findings. For example, a study published in the journal Scientific Reports highlighted the critical role of wealth, education, and occupation in reducing the risk of transitioning from mild cognitive impairment to dementia. It also emphasized the importance of these factors in increasing the likelihood of reversing cognitive impairment to a healthy cognitive state.

Another study published in the journal Nutrients emphasized the importance of B vitamins in maintaining good health. B vitamins play a vital role in releasing energy from carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They may also reduce the risk of heart disease, while helping to lower bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase good cholesterol (HDL). Insufficient vitamin B can cause anemia, or a lack of healthy red blood cells.