Associations of educational attainment and cognitive level of job with old age verbal ability and processing speed: The mediating role of chronic diseases

Andreas IhleDepartment of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland;Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, SwitzerlandCorrespondence[email protected]

Michel OrisCenter for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Delphine FagotCenter for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Christian ChicherioCenter for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland;Neuropsychology Unit, Neurology Clinic, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Geneva University Hospitals, Geneva, Switzerland

Bernadette W. A. van der LindenCenter for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Julia SauterCenter for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

Matthias KliegelDepartment of Psychology, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland;Center for the Interdisciplinary Study of Gerontology and Vulnerability, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

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ABSTRACT

We investigated whether the relation of educational attainment and cognitive level of job to performance in verbal ability and processing speed in old age was mediated via the number of chronic diseases. A total of 2,812 older adults participated. Psychometric tests on verbal ability and processing speed were administered. Individuals were interviewed regarding their education, midlife occupation, and chronic diseases in old age. Higher educational attainment and higher cognitive level of job were correlated with better performance in verbal ability and processing speed (.15 ≤ r ≤ .33, ps < .001). 1.4 to 7.3% of these relations was mediated via the number of chronic diseases (β = .01, ps < .026). In conclusion, individuals with higher educational attainment and higher cognitive level of job may possibly suffer from fewer chronic diseases later in life. Possibly, this may finally be related to better performance in verbal ability and processing speed in those individuals in old age.

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Associations of educational attainment and cognitive level of job with old age verbal ability and processing speed: The mediating role of chronic diseases

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