Higher Social Security Income Can Impact Cognitive Function, According to Study

A portrait of Padmaja Ayyagari of the University of Iowa College of Public Health.

Padmaja Ayyagari was PI on a study that determined an increase in annual Social Security income can lead to a significant improvement in many dimensions of cognitive function among seniors.

Due to changes in the Social Security Act in the 1970s, cohorts born between 1910 and 1917 received higher Social Security benefits resulting in a permanent increase in income for these persons. This “notch” group has been studied to determine the impact of increased Social Security income on prescription drug use, weight, mental health, mortality, living arrangements, and utilization of long-term care services. Ayyagari’s study is the first to review the impact on cognitive function.

Using data from the Study of Assets and Health Dynamics among the Oldest Old (AHEAD), she found significant improvement in working memory, knowledge, language, and orientation among the notch group.

“These findings have important implications for aging populations,” said Ayyagari, “especially given the rising prevalence of cognitive impairment.”

Her findings are also important for public policy during a time when U.S. policymakers are considering changes to Social Security benefits. David Frisvold, assistant professor in Economics in the UI College of Business, collaborated with Ayyagari on this work.

Funding for this project was provided by the U. S. Social Security Administration and Boston College Center for Retirement Research.