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Do white matter hyperintensities account for the relationship between discrimination and memory?
Robrielle M Pierce1, Kiana A Scambray1, Jordan D Palms1
1Department of Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA.
Summary
Racial discrimination is linked to brain changes like white matter hyperintensities (WMHs), which can negatively impact objective memory in older Black adults. Addressing racial discrimination may improve cognitive health and reduce brain aging.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Background:
- Racial discrimination (RD) is associated with cognitive decline, particularly memory impairment.
- The specific biological mechanisms linking RD to memory deficits remain largely unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) as a mediator in the relationship between racial discrimination and cognitive function in older Black adults.
- To examine the impact of RD on both subjective and objective measures of memory.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 321 Black adults aged 55+ from the Michigan Cognitive Aging Project was studied.
- Racial discrimination was assessed using the Major Experiences of Lifetime Discrimination scale.
- Subjective memory was measured via the Memory Functioning Questionnaire, and objective episodic memory was assessed using a composite of learning and memory tests. White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) were quantified using MRI.
- Mediation analyses were performed to evaluate the role of WMHs.
Main Results:
- Higher levels of racial discrimination were significantly associated with increased white matter hyperintensity (WMH) volume.
- Elevated WMH volume was linked to poorer objective memory performance, but not subjective memory.
- Racial discrimination independently predicted worse subjective memory, irrespective of WMH burden.
Conclusions:
- Racial discrimination represents a critical target for interventions aimed at enhancing cognitive health equity and mitigating the burden of WMHs.
- The findings suggest that racial discrimination may negatively affect objective memory through vascular and/or inflammatory pathways, highlighting the need for further research into these mechanisms.
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