A recent study has revealed a significant connection between socioeconomic status (SES), genetics, and brain health. Researchers analyzed genetic data from nearly a million individuals to explore how factors like income, education, and occupation influence brain structure and cognitive aging.
The study, published in June 2025, utilized Mendelian randomization to understand the causal relationship between SES and brain health. The findings suggest that higher SES may protect brain health by reducing white matter hyperintensities, which are linked to cognitive decline. The research team found 554 regions in the human genome associated with socioeconomic status.
These findings highlight SES as a modifiable environmental factor impacting brain aging, opening avenues for interventions to improve brain health. While the study indicates a link, it also acknowledges that other environmental and social factors play a significant role in cognitive health. The study was conducted by an international team of researchers from the UK, Netherlands, and Italy.