Publication:

Cognitive function and its association with level of education and work status in adults in Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study

Background Cognitive decline is not inevitable with age; studies have shown that it can be affected by a number of education and work related factors. We explored this association by carrying out a cross-sectional study in King Khalid University Hospital and King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods We enrolled 202 adults, whose ages ranged between 40 and 85 years. Data was collected using a validated Arabic translation of a standardized test assessing cognitive function, known as the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). Subjects were also inquired about their level of education and work status.

Results The results showed that in our subjects of adults above the age of 40, the mean MMSE score was 23.45 (SD=4.203). Females (n=94) had lower scores than their male counterparts (n=108) (mean difference: 3.11, 95% CI 2 to 4.22; p<0.001). There was a strong negative correlation between Age and MMSE scores (r=-0.308; p<0.001). Higher levels of education were associated with higher MMSE scores (p<0.001). Having no education was associated with a major decline in scores compared to a college education (mean difference: 8.16, 95% CI 6.76 to 9.56; p<0.001). Being employed was associated with higher scores (p<0.001). This was irrespective of gender, although females were more likely to have had no education or work (p<0.001).

Conclusions Higher levels of education and employment both seem to be associated with higher cognitive function scores in the studied demographic. Further research is required for population generalization and to establish a causal relationship.