An analysis of more than 5,000 American adults showed that low-income individuals and members of disadvantaged racial groups face an increased risk of developing this life-altering brain disorder.
According to a study conducted by a team from the American Academy of Neurology, low income is clearly linked to an increased likelihood of developing several diseases, including high blood pressure, hearing loss, and depression, in addition to following a sedentary lifestyle.
The results also revealed that one in five cases of dementia among older adults below the poverty line may be directly linked to vision loss and social isolation.
In this regard, Dr. Eric Stolberg of the Sidney Kimmel School of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University commented: “Although our study is exploratory in nature and cannot prove a causal relationship, improving vision care services and reducing social isolation among the elderly can make a substantial difference in the lives of those living in poverty.”
Official statistics reveal that more than 11% of Americans, equivalent to about 37 million people, were living below the poverty line in 2023.
Even more worrying, researchers found that diseases such as diabetes, obesity, poor eyesight, and lack of physical activity remain more prevalent among historically marginalized ethnic groups, such as African Americans, Mexicans, and Latinos, even after accounting for income differences.
Scientists continue their efforts to understand the reasons behind the higher rates of dementia among African Americans compared to other racial groups. Recent research points to potential genetic factors, including genes associated with African ancestry that increase the body's sensitivity to salt, which may explain the higher rates of high blood pressure in this group.
Interestingly, many dementia risk factors overlap with those of cardiovascular disease, such as diabetes, obesity, and high blood pressure. Dr. Roy Ziegler, a cardiologist at Johns Hopkins University, explains this complex relationship: "We know for certain that depression and heart disease often go hand in hand, with 20% of those who suffer heart attacks being diagnosed with depression shortly after the event."
Statistics show that African Americans suffer from higher rates of heart disease, up to 30% higher than their white counterparts. Researchers attribute this health disparity to a complex set of factors including racial discrimination, limited access to healthy food, inadequate medical care, and environmental factors.
The study assessed 13 different risk factors, covering a wide range of aspects from education and smoking to brain injuries. The results revealed that higher income—defined as income five times the federal poverty line—was associated with a significant reduction in all dementia risk factors except obesity, high cholesterol, and brain injuries.
Researchers assert that addressing both vision impairment and social isolation could reduce dementia cases by at least 20%. Stolberg adds, "These findings offer a real opportunity to help the most vulnerable groups reduce their risk of developing dementia, particularly in marginalized communities where these risk factors are more prevalent."