Compared with previous research, this study was able to answer the question because of its large size and statistical power.
The researchers used data from the EClipSE collaboration, which combines the three European population-based longitudinal studies of ageing (the Medical Research Council Cognitive Function and Ageing Study, the Cambridge City Over-75s Cohort Study and Vantaa 85+, a Finnish study).
The studies have assessed participants for up to 20 years and are three of only six such studies in the world.
The results have important implications for public health at a time when populations in many countries are ageing.
"Education is known to be good for population health and equity. This study provides strong support for investment in early life factors which should have an impact on society and the whole lifespan. This is hugely relevant to policy decisions about the importance of resource allocation between health and education," says Professor Brayne.
The results are published today in the journal
Brain. The study was funded by the BUPA Foundation, the European Union and the Medical Research Council.
Source-Eurekalert