Education, Acculturation, and Network Diversity as Promoters of Cognitive Function: A Study of Older Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans in Southern California

Objectives: This study examined the role of education, acculturation, and network characteristics (size and diversity) in the cognitive function of older Chinese, Korean, and Vietnamese Americans. Methods: Data were drawn from 158 participants aged 60 or older in the DREAMS study—a study on Asian Americans’ sleep and health conducted in Southern California. Results: Multivariate models of cognitive function showed significant effects of education (B [SE] = 0.28 [0.07], p < .001), acculturation (B [SE] = 0.17 [0.06], p < .01), and network diversity (B [SE] = 0.26 [0.12], p < .05). Conclusions: Our findings support the role of education as a general cognitive reserve factor and acculturation as an immigrant-specific one. We also observed cognitive health benefits associated with diverse social networks, underscoring the importance of fostering opportunities for varied social interactions.