Race, Genetic Admixture, and Cognitive Performance in the Cuban Population
Jorge J Llibre-Guerra1,2, Yan Li1, Isabel Elaine Allen3
1Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, MO, USA.
Summary
This study found no significant differences in dementia prevalence or cognitive performance based on race or ancestry in older Cubans. Social factors likely explain observed disparities in dementia across diverse populations.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Epidemiology
- Genetics
Background:
- Population aging increases dementia risk, disproportionately affecting racial minorities.
- Racial differences in dementia are documented in the US, but understudied in low- and middle-income countries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of self-identified race and genetic admixture on cognitive performance and dementia prevalence in older Cubans.
- To address the research gap concerning racial disparities in dementia within low- and middle-income countries.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional survey of 2944 older Cubans.
- Dementia diagnosis using 10/66 Dementia and DSM-IV criteria.
- APOE-ε4 genotyping and genetic admixture analysis in relation to cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- Overall dementia prevalence was 8.7% with no statistically significant differences by self-identified race (p = .12).
- Mean cognitive scores were similar across racial groups (p = .46).
- African ancestry was not associated with cognitive performance after controlling for covariates (p = .17).
Conclusions:
- No independent effect of self-identified race or population ancestry on dementia prevalence or cognitive performance was observed.
- Social determinants of health are likely primary drivers of dementia prevalence differences in diverse populations.
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