A bit out of the age range we typically assess in schools, but an interesting article was published this weak in Research on Aging in regards to the relationships between education, cognitive score, and the rate of decline in cognitive function in individuals beyond 70 years of age.
The article replicated previous results that showed positive correlations between level of education and cognition, as well as a tendency for a decreased rate of cognitive decline. However, they found that education level did not lower the rate of decline in working memory. In fact higher educaiton levels were associated with a faster cognitive decline on verbal memory measures.
It is likely a reflection of the more ability you have the more you have to lose but the results are worth a look at.
You can find the original abstract by clicking here or read a thorough review by clicking here.
The article wins my quote of the week with:
"Study director Eileen Crimmins of the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology says she wouldn't recommend halting any schooling based on the results."
