Psychosocioeconomic Precariousness, Cognitive Decline and Risk of Developing Dementia: A 25-Year Study

Abstract

Background: This study investigates the relationship between psychosocioeconomic precariousness, cognitive decline and risk of developing dementia.

Methods: The sample consisted of 3,710 subjects aged ≥65 years. Psychosocioeconomic precariousness was assessed with a ratio consisting of 8 self-reported items of poor socioeconomic status and psychosocial vulnerability.

Results: Participants who were considered as precarious (n = 1,444) presented greater cognitive decline (β = -0.07; p = 0.0067) after adjusting for various confounders. They also had a 36% increased risk of developing dementia (hazard ratio 1.36, 95% confidence interval 1.17-1.57; p < 0.0001) over the 25-year follow-up period.

Conclusion: Psychosocioeconomic precariousness is associated with greater cognitive decline and increased risk of developing dementia. This relationship can be explained in light of the concept of cognitive reserve and strengthens the need to consider psychosocioeconomic precariousness of elderly individuals in the definition of successful ageing policies.