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Smoking mediates the relationship between SES and brain volume: The CARDIA study
Ryan J Dougherty1,2, Justine Moonen2, Kristine Yaffe3,4
1Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America.
Higher socioeconomic status (SES) is linked to greater brain volume in aging regions. Smoking cessation may reduce health disparities and dementia risk for those with lower SES.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Socioeconomic status (SES) is a key determinant of health outcomes.
- Brain aging and associated cognitive decline are significant public health concerns.
- Lifestyle factors play a role in dementia risk and brain health.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and brain volume in aging-related regions.
- To determine if lifestyle factors mediate the association between SES and brain volume.
- To explore potential interventions for mitigating SES-related disparities in brain health.
Main Methods:
- Utilized data from the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) study (n=645).
- Assessed socioeconomic status (SES) using income and education.
- Measured gray matter volume in brain regions vulnerable to aging using magnetic resonance imaging.
- Analyzed lifestyle factors including physical activity, cognitive activity, smoking, alcohol, and diet.
- Employed multivariable linear regressions and Sobel mediation analyses.
Main Results:
- Higher SES was positively associated with increased brain volume (β = .109, p < .01).
- Smoking status significantly mediated the SES-brain volume relationship (z = 2.57).
- Smoking explained 27% of the variance in brain volume attributed to SES.
Conclusions:
- Higher SES is associated with greater brain volume in aging-related regions.
- Smoking cessation is a potential strategy to reduce health disparities linked to SES and brain volume.
- Interventions targeting smoking may decrease vulnerability to dementia.
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