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Race/ethnic Disparities in Cognitive Decline: the Role of Organizational Resources in Neighborhoods

Year: 2018
Type: conference-abstract
Abstract: Social and built environments have been shown to influence cognitive functioning in older adults. Yet, few studies have addressed to what extent residence in neighborhoods with a greater density of social and institutional resources explains race/ethnic variations in cognitive decline. We use data from a three-year span of longitudinal assessments in older adults receiving state-funded home and community based services (enrolled in 2008 and 2012) in Michigan Metropolitan areas, merged with ZIP Code-level business patterns data (N=19,400). Cognitive performance was assessed by case workers using four items on the cognitive skills for daily decision-making scale. Results show that while baseline cognition was not different across race/ethnic groups, Blacks had more rapid decline in cognition than Whites (p<.05), adjusting for demographic characteristics, time-varying covariates (functional limitations, physical activities, and social participation), neighborhood urbanicity, and socioeconomic and demographic compositions. Residence in an area with a greater number of grocery stores was associated with better cognitive function. Among Blacks, having a large number of grocery stores in neighborhoods was associated with the slower rates of decline. However, residence in an area with more recreational services was associated with worse cognitive function and more rapid cognitive decline. By using data from a population of socioeconomically and physically vulnerable older adults with complex medical care needs, this study contributes to a greater understanding of the role of community resources in trajectories of cognitive decline with age.
DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igy023.938
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,977
OpenAlex ID: W2900175758
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Related to: 10