Discussing the Interplay of Social Determinants of Health, Aging, and Alzheimer’s Biomarkers in U.S. Latinos
This perspective examines the impact of Social Determinants of Health (SDoH) on the biological age-related decline and Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias (ADRD) biomarker trajectories in U.S. Latino populations, emphasizing the need for comprehensive multilevel research frameworks tailored to the community. We discuss the prevailing SDoH among U.S. Latino communities, including economic, educational, and healthcare access inequities that heighten health risks. Subsequently, we examine the pronounced differences in ADRD prevalence and biomarker trajectories among Latinos, suggesting that the interplay between SDoH and biological markers contributes to ADRD risk and progression. Our perspective reflects on the existing research landscape, noting a substantial gap in studies extending beyond identifying and understanding disparities in ADRD, to research incorporating biomarkers and developing actionable interventions to address broader SDoH. This shift is essential for creating a more holistic approach to ADRD research and devising truly effective strategies to mitigate ADRD disparities and improve brain health for older U.S. Latinos.
Authors
- Melissa Lamar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6130-5543)
- Christian R. Salazar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3755-275X)
- Miriam J. Rodríguez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0816-8313)
- David X. Márquez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8903-4941)
- Mónica Rosselli (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2656-9505)
- Katya Rascovsky
- Raul Vintimilla (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-4176-0001)
- Yakeel T. Quiroz (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9714-8244)
- Sid E. O’Bryant (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0582-5266)
- Mirella Díaz‐Santos (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5513-815X)
- Clara Vila‐Castelar (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8779-1487)
- Idaly Vélez-Uribe (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-8260-4630)
- Jaime Perales‐Puchalt (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1013-7847)
- Jorge J. Llibre‐Guerra (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2137-7750)
- Jairo E. Martínez (ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5888-481X)
Institutions
- Boston University (US)
- University of North Texas (US)
- Rush University Medical Center (US)
- Harvard University (US)
- University of California, Los Angeles (US)
- University of North Texas Health Science Center (US)
- University of California, Irvine (US)
- Washington University in St. Louis (US)
- Texas College (US)
- University of Massachusetts Boston (US)
- University of Illinois Chicago (US)
- Massachusetts General Hospital (US)
- Mount Sinai Medical Center (US)
- Indiana University Bloomington (US)
- University of Kansas Medical Center (US)
- UC Irvine Health (US)
- Irvine University (US)
- Saint Louis University (US)
- Florida Atlantic University (US)
- University of Pennsylvania (US)
Publication Details
- Journal
- The Journals of Gerontology Series A
- Published
- 2025-03-07
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1093/gerona/glaf020
- Citations
- 3
- Primary Topic
- Health disparities and outcomes
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 6.50
Funders
- Alzheimer's Association
- National Institute on Aging