Unique study
Heather Snyder, PhD, vice president of medical and scientific relations, Alzheimer’s Association, said the study was unique. “I don’t think we have seen anything like this before,” said Dr. Snyder.
The study, which links sustained low-wage earning in midlife to later memory decline, “is looking beyond some of the other measures we’ve seen when we looked at socioeconomic status,” she noted.
The results “beg the question” of whether people who earn low wages have less access to health care, she added.
“We should think about how to ensure access and equity around health care and around potential ways that may address components of risk individuals have during their life course,” Dr. Snyder said.
She noted that the study provides a “start” at considering potential policies to address the impact of sustained low wages on overall health, particularly cognitive health, throughout life.
The study had no outside funding. Dr. Kezios has reported no relevant financial relationships.
A version of this article first appeared on Medscape.com.