Researchers Carol Fadalla, Jonathan Singer, Peter Rerick, Lauren Elliott, Elisabeth McLean, Sydnie Schneider, Lauren Chrzanowski, Veronica Molinar-Lopez, and Volker Neugebauer, affiliated with Texas Tech University and the University of Central Oklahoma, have conducted a detailed study on the impact of depression and anxiety on cognitive functions such as memory and reasoning in older adults of Hispanic and non-Hispanic White descent living in rural areas. Their findings reveal significant variations in brain health, with Hispanic older adults exhibiting lower scores on cognitive tests assessing memory, attention, and problem-solving abilities, even when their mental health conditions were comparable to those of non-Hispanic White counterparts. These results indicate that Hispanic older adults may encounter distinctive challenges that adversely affect their brain health, underscoring the necessity for specially designed support programmes that cater to their unique requirements.
As the demographic of the United States ages, the prevalence of neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other memory-related disorders is on the rise. This issue is particularly acute in rural communities where medical services are less accessible. Hispanic older adults, who constitute a significant segment of the rural demographic, face a heightened risk of developing cognitive impairments.
The team examined data from more than 1,400 individuals aged 40 and above, hailing from rural regions in Texas. These participants underwent various cognitive tests to evaluate their memory, problem-solving skills, and attention, in addition to completing surveys that assessed levels of depression and anxiety. Although links were found between depression, anxiety, and diminished cognitive functions, these mental health issues did not wholly account for the observed disparities in brain health between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White participants. Ethnicity alone accounted for approximately 20% of the cognitive performance variances, highlighting its significant influence.
Furthermore, the study identified additional factors such as lifelong stress, inadequate healthcare access, language obstacles, discrimination, social isolation, and limited educational opportunities, which might exacerbate these cognitive disparities. These challenges disproportionately affect Hispanic older adults, elevating their risk of cognitive decline as they age.
The researchers stress the importance of extending the scope of investigation beyond mental health issues to gain a fuller understanding of the disparities in brain health among older adults. They advocate for healthcare providers to incorporate considerations of social, economic, and cultural factors when developing interventions to support cognitive health. Implementing cognitive assessments during regular health check-ups could facilitate the early detection of cognitive decline.
The conclusion of the study highlights the critical need for “culturally tailored interventions that address the risk factors for neurocognitive impairment in Hispanic rural ageing adults, which are essential to reduce neurocognitive disparities.”
Recognising the specific challenges faced by Hispanic older adults makes it possible to devise programmes that more effectively bolster brain health. Engaging local community leaders in creating these programmes can enhance their efficacy, ensuring that older adults can preserve their cognitive functions well into their later years.
More information: Carol Fadalla et al, Neurocognitive disparities: investigating ethnicity and mental health in rural aging adults, Aging-US. DOI: 10.18632/aging.206166
Journal information: Aging-US Provided by Impact Journals LLC
