Asociación entre nivel educacional y sospecha de deterioro cognitivo en personas mayores chilenas: resultados de la Encuesta Nacional de Salud 2016-2017

Resumen

Background: A low education level has been associated with cognitive impairment in older adults. Aim: To determine the association between educational attainment and cognitive impairment in older Chilean population. Material and methods: Data from 2,005 adults aged ?60 years assessed during 2016-2017 National Health Survey were included. Education was self-reported and categorized as primary: ?8 years; secondary: 9 to 12 years and beyond secondary: >12 years. Cognitive impairment was assessed with the Mini-Mental questionnaire. Results: Men and women with low education attainment had a higher prevalence of cognitive impairment (33% [95% confidence intervals (CI): 24.0, 41] and 27% [95% CI: 21; 33], respectively). Men who reported less schooling (?8 years) were more likely to be at risk of cognitive impairment (Odds ratio (OR): 4.53 [95% CI: 1.10, 18.62]) compared to their peers. Women showed a substantially higher magnitude of association than men. The probability of cognitive impairment increased 9-times (OR: 9.96 [95% CI: 1.24; 79.6]) for 9-12 years and 18-times for ?8 years of education (OR: 18.8 [95% CI: 2.42, 146.1]) compared to women with higher education. Conclusions: Older adults with low education attainment had an increased likelihood of developing cognitive impairment. However, the risk differs by sex, being higher in women than men.