Relationship between Education Level and Alzheimer's Questioned

Alzheimer's Association
Monday, 4 April 1994

It is too early too tell if higher education levels can protect against Alzheimer's disease, as suggested in a study published in the April 6, 1994 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, according to the Alzheimer's Association.

"We are concerned that people might oversimplify the research findings and conclude that 'use-it-or-lose-it' is the best defense against Alzheimer's disease," said Edward Truschke, president of the Association. "Education level probably does not affect whether someone will get Alzheimer's disease, but may have an impact on when symptoms are detected."

The researchers studied 593 individuals over the age of 60 over a period of four years, and categorized them by education level. People with the highest education level were found to be the least likely to be diagnosed with dementia. The researchers propose two possible explanations:

- that more educated people perform better on tests of intellectual ability than people with lower educational level, and thus are not as easily identified as having Alzheimer symptoms

- higher levels of education may increase brain reserve, delaying onset of Alzheimer symptoms for several years

According to Truschke, while some previous studies have linked lower levels of education with a higher risk of dementia, other studies have found no such link. Furthermore, educational levels are associated with many other factors that are known to influence individuals' health: access to medical care, nutrition, occupational and recreational activities, smoking and alcohol intake.

"It is extremely difficult to conclude from these studies that education alone is the deciding factor for Alzheimer's disease," said Truschke. "There are many brilliant, highly educated and accomplished individuals who have had Alzheimer's disease. Research that can offer new insight into delaying intellectual decline would be most welcome."

The Alzheimer's Association is the largest national voluntary health organization dedicated to research for the causes, treatments, prevention and cure of Alzheimer's disease and to providing education and support services to the four million Americans with the disease, their families and caregivers. You can reach the Alzheimer's Association at (800) 272-3900.

For more information, or to contact Alzheimer's Association, see their website at: www.alz.org