A prospective study of grandchild caregiving and late-life cognitive function in Taiwan (1996-2015)

Grandparents may provide care to grandchildren, potentially supporting cognitive engagement while aging. However, previous studies have shown mixed results. We investigated associations between grandchild caregiving and cognitive function among 5005 older adults (Cohort 1) and 1521 middle-aged adults (Cohort 2). Cognitive functioning was measured by the Short Portable Mental Status Questionnaire at baseline in 1996 and at follow-up waves from 1999 to 2015. We adjusted for baseline and time-varying covariates using marginal structural models. We found a significant dose-response relationship between caregiving duration and cognitive benefits in Cohort 1, with estimates ranging from 0.32 (95% CI, 0.22-0.42) for 1 wave to 1.40 (95% CI, 0.99-1.81) for 5 waves of caregiving. Demographic analyses revealed stronger positive effects among men (0.71 [95% CI, 0.62-0.79]) and those with no formal education (0.69 [95% CI, 0.58-0.80]). Cohort 2 demonstrated smaller overall effects (0.06 [95% CI, 0.05-0.08]), with significant benefits primarily among men (0.14 [95% CI, 0.12-0.15]) and rural residents (0.16 [95% CI, 0.13-0.19]). These findings suggest that consistent grandchild caregiving may contribute to better cognitive outcomes, though these effects vary by demographic characteristics and age.