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Dementia Care Research and Psychosocial Factors
Juliana Nery Souza-Talarico1, Ana W Capuano2, Lisa L Barnes3,4
1University of Iowa, Iowa, IA, USA.
Alzheimer'S & Dementia : the Journal of the Alzheimer'S Association
|December 26, 2025
Summary
Psychological and social factors, alongside biological markers, are linked to cognitive decline in Black Americans. Understanding these connections can improve Alzheimer
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Black Americans face a doubled risk of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) compared to White individuals.
- Psychological and social determinants significantly contribute to this health disparity.
- Biological mechanisms underlying these disparities require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the associations between psychological, environmental, and biological factors and cognitive decline in older Black adults.
- To explore multi-level determinants (individual, interpersonal, community) influencing cognitive health disparities.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal analysis of 118 Black Americans (aged 65+) from the Minority Aging Research Study (MARS).
- Assessed individual biological markers (neuroendocrine, immunologic, metabolic), interpersonal discrimination (Everyday Discrimination Scale - EDS), and community-level environmental factors (Social Vulnerability Index - SVI).
- Cognitive decline evaluated via annual performance on global cognition, processing speed, and memory tests.
Main Results:
- Higher discrimination (EDS) associated with altered neuroendocrine and immunologic markers.
- Higher social vulnerability (SVI) linked to neuroendocrine and metabolic changes.
- Discrimination, social vulnerability, and specific biological markers (neuroendocrine, immunologic, metabolic) significantly predicted cognitive decline.
Conclusions:
- Psychological, environmental, and biological factors interact synergistically to influence cognitive decline in older Black adults.
- Findings support a multi-level approach to understanding and addressing ADRD disparities.
- Informing future research on ADRD biomarkers for improved prediction and precision prevention strategies.
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