Little is known about the relative benefits of cognitively stimulating
activities at different points in the lifespan. In a cohort of 576 older
persons without dementia, we assessed current and past (childhood, young
adulthood, middle age) frequency of cognitive activity; availability of
cognitively stimulating resources in the home in childhood and middle age;
and 5 domains of cognitive function. Past cognitive activity and cognitive
resources were positively correlated with both current cognitive activity
and current cognitive function. The association with cognitive function
was reduced after controlling for current cognitive activity, however.
Current cognitive activity was associated with better cognitive function,
especially semantic memory and perceptual speed, even after controlling
for past activity. The results suggest that past cognitive activity
contributes to current cognition principally through its association with
cognitive activity in old age. (JINS, 2005, 11,
400–407.)