Title : Association between race and cognitive decline in older adults in the united states and puerto rico
Abstract:
Background: Cognitive decline and Alzheimer’s disease are major public health concerns among older adults in the U.S. and Puerto Rico. Racial and ethnic disparities in cognitive health outcomes highlight the need for a better understanding of these differences.
Methods: Data from the Alzheimer’s Disease and Healthy Aging Indicators Cognitive Decline study (2015–2019) were analyzed for adults aged 50 and above. Logistic regression assessed the relationship between cognitive decline, race, age, and state of residency over 12 months.
Results: Hispanic and Black non-Hispanic individuals had higher odds of cognitive decline compared to White non-Hispanics. Rates varied across age groups and states, indicating significant demographic and geographic disparities.
Conclusions: Racial, age, and regional disparities in cognitive decline call for targeted interventions and localized public health strategies to promote equitable cognitive health outcomes.
