A new study reveals that racial disparities in dementia prevalence stem from social determinants of health rather than genetic ancestry. Researchers from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis found that individuals with predominantly Native American or African ancestry face higher rates of dementia due to adverse social conditions, not their genetic background.
Investigators analyzed data from a long-running survey in four Latin American countries, highlighting how lower education levels, rural residency, and health issues like high blood pressure contribute to increased cognitive decline.
Investigators analyzed data from a long-running survey in four Latin American countries, highlighting how lower education levels, rural residency, and health issues like high blood pressure contribute to increased cognitive decline.
Dr. Jorge Llibre-Guerra, the study’s lead author, emphasizes that marginalized racial and ethnic groups experience higher rates of dementia globally, and separating biological factors from social contributors is crucial. He stated, “This study clearly shows that poor cognitive health is part of the legacy of the racial caste system.”
The findings indicate that once social factors are accounted for, genetic ancestry does not influence cognitive performance. The study underscores that addressing social inequalities is essential to improving cognitive health, especially in communities historically disadvantaged by structural racism.
This research exemplifies a broader trend showing that health outcomes are often tied to societal conditions, reinforcing the urgent need for societal change to mitigate disparities in health care access and quality for all individuals.
See “Racial disparities in dementia determined by social factors rather than genetic ancestry, finds study” (July 17, 2024)
