Neighborhood environment associations with cognitive function and structural brain measures in older African Americans.

Dima L Chaar, Le Tu, Kari Moore, Jiacong Du, Lauren A Opsasnick, Scott M Ratliff, Thomas H Mosley, Sharon L R Kardia, Wei Zhao, Xiang Zhou, Ana V Diez Roux, Fazlay S Faruque, Kenneth R Butler, Jennifer A Smith

Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA. · pubmed

Paper

Abstract

Since older adults spend significant time in their neighborhood environment, environmental factors such as neighborhood socioeconomic disadvantage, high racial segregation, low healthy food availability, low access to recreation, and minimal social engagement may have adverse effects on cognitive function and increase susceptibility to dementia. DNA methylation, which is associated with neighborhood characteristics as well as cognitive function and white matter hyperintensity (WMH), may act as a mediator between neighborhood characteristics and neurocognitive outcomes.

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Research summary

The paper investigates the associations between neighborhood environments and cognitive function in older African Americans, highlighting environmental factors that may influence cognitive decline and dementia risk. While it addresses important aspects of aging and cognitive health, it primarily focuses on correlational studies rather than exploring root causes or interventions that could directly impact longevity or aging mechanisms. Thus, it represents solid research but with limited impact on the broader field of longevity research.

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