A new study published in Nature Aging has revealed a direct connection between societal inequality and brain health, with significant implications for aging and dementia. Researchers from Trinity College Dublin, in collaboration with international partners, have found that higher levels of structural inequality are associated with reduced brain volume and disrupted connectivity, particularly in regions crucial for memory and cognitive function.
The study, which analyzed neuroimaging data from 2,135 participants across six countries in Latin America and the United States, utilized the GINI index to measure macro-level socioeconomic inequality. Results showed that the effects of inequality on brain health were more pronounced in Latin American populations, highlighting their unique vulnerability to socioeconomic stressors.
Notably, Latinos with Alzheimer’s disease experienced the most severe impacts, suggesting that environmental demands linked to structural inequality may exacerbate neurodegeneration in aging populations. These associations persisted even after accounting for individual factors such as education, age, sex, and cognitive ability, underscoring the independent role of macro-level factors in shaping brain health.
Dr. Agustin Ibañez, professor in global brain health at Trinity College and corresponding author, emphasized the critical need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of brain health disparities. He stated, “Considering dementia rates rise particularly in low- and middle-income countries, our findings emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of brain health disparities, which appear to be specific to each region.”
The research calls for a multi-level approach to brain health equity, examining the biological embedding of other macro-level exposome factors beyond socioeconomic inequality. Identifying and addressing these region-specific modulators could lead to interventions that mitigate accelerated brain aging and reduce the dementia burden in disadvantaged communities.
See: “Structural inequality linked to brain volume and network dynamics in aging and dementia across the Americas” (December 27, 2024)
