Scientists have linked low income to the risk of dementia

Low-income people and representatives of racial and ethnic groups, historically underrepresented in clinical trials, are significantly more likely to have modifiable risk factors for dementia. The authors emphasize that the study reveals a link, but does not prove that income, race, or ethnicity directly affect the increased risk. This was reported on November 13 by Medical Xpress magazine.

"Our results provide new insight into how people living below the poverty line and members of historically low—income groups may carry a greater burden of many modifiable risk factors for dementia," said lead author, MD, Master of Public Health from Sidney Kimmel College of Medicine at Thomas Jefferson University, a member of the American Academy of Neurology. Eric L. Stalberg.

According to him, understanding the most common risks can help build prevention more effectively, from improving access to ophthalmic care to maintaining social connections and controlling diabetes or hypertension.

The study involved more than 5,000 people who were assessed for 13 risk factors, including low education, alcohol consumption, obesity, high LDL cholesterol, traumatic brain injuries, untreated hearing and vision disorders, diabetes, untreated hypertension, smoking, depression, low physical activity and social isolation. Age, gender, race, and ethics were also taken into account.

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The participants were divided into six income groups, ranging from below the federal poverty line to earnings five times higher than it. A one-level increase in income, equivalent to a two-fold increase in income, reduced the likelihood of an additional risk factor by 9%. In the lowest-income group, two stood out in particular: blurred vision and social isolation. According to estimates, eliminating vision problems could reduce the number of dementia cases by 21%, and reduce social isolation by 20%.

"Although our results are exploratory in nature and do not demonstrate a causal relationship, improving access to eye care and reducing social exclusion among the elderly has the potential to have a significant impact on those living below the poverty line," Stalberg said.

After adjusting for income, a number of risks — diabetes, low physical activity, obesity, and visual impairment — continued to be more common among representatives of historically underrepresented groups. Stalberg emphasized that influence can be exerted even at a late age. He also expressed hope that future research will evaluate the effectiveness of interventions aimed at late risk factors, especially among people living below the poverty line.

Earlier, on November 5, Medical Xpress reported on the association of latent heart damage with the risk of dementia. The head of the study, Professor Eric Brunner, clarified that brain damage accumulates slowly — over decades and long before the first signs of memory impairment appear. According to him, prevention should begin in advance and include monitoring blood pressure, cholesterol levels and weight.

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