Neighborhood segregation and cognitive change: Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Issue 4 (23rd July 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Besser, Lilah M.; Meyer, Oanh L.; Jones, Miranda R.; Tran, Duyen; Booker, Michaela; Mitsova, Diana; Peterson, Rachel; Galvin, James E.; Bateman, James R.; Hayden, Kathleen M.; Hughes, Timothy M.
• Is Part Of: Alzheimer's & dementia. Volume 19:Issue 4(2023)
• Page Start: 1143
• Page End: 1151
• Publication Date: 2022-07-23
• Subjects: cognition -- cognitive decline -- community -- ethnicity -- longitudinal -- neighborhood -- processing speed -- race -- racial -- segregation -- social determinants of health -- structural determinants; Alzheimer's disease -- Periodicals; Alzheimer Disease -- Periodicals; Dementia -- Periodicals; Démence; Maladie d'Alzheimer; Périodique électronique (Descripteur de forme); Ressource Internet (Descripteur de forme); 616.83
• DOI: 10.1002/alz.12705
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1552-5260

Abstract

Abstract: Introduction: We investigated associations between neighborhood racial/ethnic segregation and cognitive change. Methods: We used data ( n = 1712) from the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis. Racial/ethnic segregation was assessed using Getis‐Ord (Gi*) z‐scores based on American Community Survey Census tract data (higher Gi* = greater spatial clustering of participant's race/ethnicity). Global cognition and processing speed were assessed twice, 6 years apart. Adjusted multilevel linear regression tested associations between Gi* z‐scores and cognition. Effect modification by race/ethnicity, income, education, neighborhood socioeconomic status, and neighborhood social support was tested. Results: Participants were on average 67 years old; 43% were White, 11% Chinese, 29% African American/Black, 17% Hispanic; 40% had high neighborhood segregation (Gi* > 1.96). African American/Black participants with greater neighborhood segregation had greater processing speed decline in stratified analyses, but no interactions were significant. Discussion: Segregation was associated with greater processing speed declines among African American/Black participants. Additional follow‐ups and comprehensive cognitive batteries may further elucidate these findings. Highlights: A study of neighborhood racial/ethnic segregation and change in cognition. Study was based on a racially and geographically diverse, population‐based cohort of older adults. Racial/ethnic segregation (clustering) was measured by the Getis‐ord (Gi*) statistic. We saw faster processing speed decline among Black individuals in segregated neighborhoods.