Abstract
Objectives To investigate the association between fertility history and cognition in older men and women. Method We analyzed associations between number of children (parity) and timing of births with level and change in cognition among 11,233 men and women aged 50+ in England using latent growth curve models. Models were adjusted for age, socioeconomic position, health, depressive symptoms, control, social contacts, activities, and isolation. Results Low (0–1 child) and high parity (3+ children) compared to medium parity (2 children) were associated with poorer cognitive functioning, as was an early age at entry to parenthood ( 35) was associated with better cognitive function. Conclusion Associations between fertility history and cognition were to large extent accounted for socioeconomic position, partly because this influenced health and social engagement. Poorer cognition in childless people and better cognition among mothers experiencing child birth at higher ages suggest factors related to childbearing/rearing that are beneficial for later cognitive functioning, although further research into possible earlier selection factors is needed.
Highlights
Associations between fertility history and cognition were to large extent accounted for socioeconomic position, partly because this influenced health and social engagement
We examine whether one domain of major significance in most people’s lives—fertility history—is associated with level and change in cognitive functioning in later life
Because cognitive functioning showed both linear and quadratic change over time, these growth terms were included in all subsequent models
Summary
To investigate the association between fertility history and cognition in older men and women. Results: Low (0–1 child) and high parity (3+ children) compared to medium parity (2 children) were associated with poorer cognitive functioning, as was an early age at entry to parenthood (
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