{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Fertility History and Cognitive Function in Late Life: The Case of Mexico.
{Author}: Saenz JL;Díaz-Venegas C;Crimmins EM;
{Journal}: J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci
{Volume}: 76
{Issue}: 4
{Year}: 03 2021 14
{Factor}: 4.942
{DOI}: 10.1093/geronb/gbz129
{Abstract}: Mexico is aging rapidly, which makes identification of life-course factors influencing cognition a public health priority. We evaluate how the number of children one has relates to cognition in Mexico, a rapidly aging country that experienced fertility declines across recent cohorts of older people.<BR>We analyze older adults (age 50+, n = 11,380) from the 2015 Mexican Health and Aging Study. Respondents were categorized by number of children ever born (0-1, 2-3, 4-5, 6+). Using ordinary least squares regression, we estimate independent associations between fertility history and cognition accounting for demographic, socioeconomic, health, and psychosocial factors.<BR>We observed an inverse U-shaped relationship between number of children (peaking at 2-3 children) and cognitive function, regardless of gender. In regression analyses adjusted for confounding variables, having 0-1 (vs 2-3 children) was associated with poorer cognitive function only for females. Regardless of gender, having 6+ (vs 2-3 children) was associated with poorer cognitive function. These associations remained significant even after accounting for socioeconomic, health, employment, and psychosocial factors.<BR>Our results suggest fertility history may play a role in late-life cognitive health and provide evidence that both low and high fertility may relate to poorer cognitive function. We discuss differences by gender.