Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences
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The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences 63:S25-S33 (2008)
© 2008 The Gerontological Society of America

RESEARCH ARTICLE

Early Life Influences on Cognitive Impairment Among Oldest Old Chinese

Zhenmei Zhang, Danan Gu and Mark D. Hayward

1 Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, East Lansing.
2 Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.
3 Department of Sociology and the Population Research Center, University of Texas, Austin.

Address correspondence to Dr. Zhenmei Zhang, Department of Sociology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824. E-mail: zhangz12{at}msu.edu

Objectives. This article examines the effects of early life socioeconomic conditions on the risk of cognitive impairment among oldest old persons in China. We also examine whether adult socioeconomic status mediates the association between early life socioeconomic status and cognitive impairment in old age.

Methods. Data derived from two waves (1998–2000) of the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey. We estimated logistic and multinomial regression models of cognitive impairment for a nationwide sample of people aged 80 to 105 (N = 8,444).

Results. Among both men and women, urban residence in early life as well as education was associated with lower odds of cognitive impairment at baseline. We found modest support for a protective effect of advantaged childhood background on the odds of cognitive impairment onset during the 2-year follow-up, especially among women.

Discussion. Our findings suggest that socioeconomic environment throughout the life course, early life in particular, can influence the risk of cognitive impairment in old age. Not only can public policy that targets illiteracy, hunger, and poverty improve the lives of tens of thousands of children, but ultimately such investments will pay significant dividends many decades later in enhancing the cognitive well-being of older persons.

Key Words: Early life conditions • Cognitive impairment • Oldest old • China






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