The proportion of adults 65 years or older with a high school diploma increased from 55 % in 1990 to 80 % in 2010, while the proportion with a college degree increased from 12 % to 23 %.12 More years of formal education is
associated with a reduced risk of dementia, likely through multiple causal pathways, including a direct
effect on brain development and function (ie, the building of «cognitive reserve»), health behaviors, as well as the general health advantages of having more
wealth and opportunities.13 - 15