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Occupational position and complexity in relation to Black-White cognitive disparities
Monica E Walters1, Jordan D Palms1, Brooke A Huizenga2
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Summary
Occupational position, not complexity, partially explains racial gaps in cognitive aging, primarily through socioeconomic factors. Policies addressing workforce inequities could reduce dementia risk disparities.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Social Epidemiology
- Cognitive Aging Research
Background:
- Social determinants of health, like occupation, are understudied in racial dementia disparities.
- Occupational position (OP) and occupational complexity (OC) may play a role in cognitive health differences.
- Existing research often overlooks the impact of occupation on cognitive disparities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether occupational position (OP) or occupational complexity (OC) mediate racial disparities in cognitive function among older adults.
- To explore the socioeconomic pathways through which occupational characteristics might influence cognitive health.
- To identify potential policy targets for reducing dementia risk inequities.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project (MCAP) including 536 Black and White older adults.
- Assessment of occupational position using US Census categories and occupational complexity based on mental, social, and physical demands.
- Application of sequential mediation analyses to examine the roles of OP, OC, income, and wealth in cognitive disparities.
Main Results:
- Black participants exhibited lower occupational position, which was associated with poorer episodic memory and global cognition, mediating 4% to 7% of disparities.
- Occupational complexity did not significantly mediate racial cognitive disparities.
- Cognitive disparities were linked to inequities in occupational position, education, and income, particularly among those not currently employed.
Conclusions:
- Occupational influence on cognitive disparities appears to operate mainly through socioeconomic pathways, not cognitive stimulation.
- Addressing workforce inequities and socioeconomic factors is crucial for mitigating racial disparities in dementia risk.
- Findings underscore the importance of considering life-course socioeconomic factors in understanding cognitive aging and dementia.
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