Date of Award
Fall 2021
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Department
Economics
First Advisor
Matthew J. Baker
Second Advisor
Kenneth J. McLaughlin
Academic Program Adviser
Karna Basu
Abstract
The risk of several common diseases causing dramatic cognitive decline (Alzheimer’s, dementia, anterograde memory loss) and short-term memory impairment are all common, even inevitable ailments as one continues to age. There is a body of literature that suggests stronger social networks reduce the chance of cognitive decline through mentally stimulating activities or socializing. This study examines the rates of cognitive decline in people with larger families by using ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and a cox hazard proportion hazards model to examine the protective effects of different family structures on the rates of cognitive decline using the American Community Supplement (ACS) supplement to the Census. It contains data from 22,059,496 people from many socio-economic backgrounds. I examine what the effect of the number of family members, children, siblings, or grandchildren (and being responsible for those grandchildren) will have on rates of cognitive decline thanks to the extensive nature and size of the ACS. This study finds that people with larger families experience lower rates of cognitive decline in the form of memory loss.
Recommended Citation
Amato, Peter, "Family Structure Variables As Proxies For Socialization And Their Effect On Cognitive Decline: An Empirical Analysis" (2021). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/hc_sas_etds/1233
Comments
formatted in microsoft word, with dates, title page, and font adjusted. Please disregard the second submission.