The Metro: How children’s education impacts parental dementia risk

Dementia affects more than six million Americans, according to the National Institutes of Health, accounting for more than 100,000 deaths each year.

A recent New York University study shows Americans have a 42% chance of developing dementia after age 55 — more than double the risk reported by previous studies. And by 2060, the U.S. is expected to have a million new cases of dementia each year.

While dementia has several known risk factors, a new study by Bowling Green State University Sociologist Jenjira Yahirun highlighted a lesser known one: your children’s level of education.

The study found that parents of college-educated adults are less likely to experience dementia or cognitive decline.

WDET’s Sascha Raiyn spoke with Yahirun to learn more about her research and the strong link between older adults’ dementia risk and their adult children’s educational and social status. 

Use the media player above to hear the full conversation.

–WDET’s Jenny Sherman contributed to this report.

More stories from The Metro on Wednesday, April 23:

• Detroit Fashion Revolution Week aims to reshape industry toward sustainability
• What’s behind Dearborn’s drastic drop in fatal overdoses?
• Demystifying and fighting misinformation about autism and those who have it
• How Community Violence Intervention programs stop harm before it happens

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