Association between structural and social determinants of health and cognitive functioning and African Americans in the ARCHES cohort

By employing ecological analysis, we constructed a general model of dementia while also illustrating how different socioeconomic levels, as measured by neighborhood-level deprivation via the ADI, shaped distinct experiences and perceptions of the system contributing to dementia risk. Our findings suggest that improving S/SDOH early in life for Black Americans through targeted public policies could reduce dementia risk later. This includes promoting equitable access to education and healthcare and implementing programs to reduce material hardship. The results also support policies that address structural racism and its impact on the health and well-being of Black Americans.