Characteristics of discrimination and ambulatory cognitive performance among older Black and White adults

Perceived discrimination has been linked with neurocognitive disparities between Black and White adults. Yet, cognitive assessments outside of laboratory settings and the relevance of perceived reasons for discrimination require additional attention. The present work addressed associations between discrimination and ambulatory cognitive performance (i.e., spatial working memory, short-term memory binding, processing speed) in ecological settings among older Black and White adults enrolled in the Einstein Aging Study. Consistent with past laboratory-based research, Black adults exhibited worse ambulatory cognitive performance and reported more frequent discrimination compared to White adults. Racially stratified analyses examined characteristics (i.e., number and type) of the perceived reasons for discrimination as moderators in relation to discrimination frequency and cognition. For Black adults who endorsed zero or one reason for discrimination compared to those who endorsed multiple reasons, discrimination frequency was associated with worse spatial working memory. Additionally, among Black participants who did not attribute discrimination to their race compared to those who endorsed racial discrimination, discrimination frequency related to worse spatial working memory. For White adults, cognitive performance was largely unrelated to discrimination frequency and characteristics. Findings highlight the value of examining discrimination and cognition in daily life, and the importance of assessing characteristics of discriminatory experiences within racial groups.