On the Origin of Cognition: How Childhood Conditions Shape Cognitive Function in Old Age

Abstract

This paper examines the long-term impact of early childhood conditions on cognitive function in old age. Using unique data from a longitudinal survey of Chinese elderly, we find that people with adverse childhood conditions measured by the paternal occupation, parental education, nutrition and medical conditions, not only have lower cognitive ability, but also exhibit faster cognitive deterioration at older ages. The results also indicate that female elderly suffer more from the adverse childhood conditions than males. Further mechanism analyses suggest that the educational attainment accounts for 16 to 26 percent of the association between early-life circumstances and cognitive function in old age.