Midlife Racial Discrimination Linked to Later Alzheimer’s Risk
April 10, 2024
Racial discrimination experienced during midlife is associated with Alzheimer’s disease pathology, according to a new study from researchers at Wake Forest University School of Medicine and the University of Georgia.
The findings, published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia: The Journal of the Alzheimer’s Association, shed light on the potential impact of racial discrimination on long-term cognitive health.
Michelle Mielke, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology and prevention at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, highlighted the elevated risk of Alzheimer’s disease among Black Americans compared to non-Hispanic white Americans. She emphasized that genetic differences alone cannot account for these disparities, suggesting that exposure to racism and associated stress may contribute to the increased risk of dementia.
The study utilized 17 years of data, including interviews and blood draws, from 255 Black Americans involved in the Family and Community Health Study. This longitudinal investigation, initiated in 1996, aimed to study the health and well-being of Black Americans.
Researchers analyzed serum biomarkers associated with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, including serum phosphorylated tau181 (p-Tau181), neurofilament light (NfL), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These biomarkers provide insights into Alzheimer’s pathology, neurodegeneration, and brain inflammation.
To gauge racial discrimination, participants were surveyed about discriminatory events they encountered, such as disrespectful treatment by store owners, salespeople, or other individuals.
The study’s findings underscore the importance of addressing midlife racial discrimination as a potential risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease. Understanding and mitigating the impact of racism on cognitive health could be crucial in reducing the disproportionate burden of dementia among Black Americans.
