Dementia risk linked to neighbourhood disadvantage among Veterans Health Administration enrollees, studied using the Area Deprivation Index
A study involving 1,637,484 Veterans Health Administration patients revealed that 12.8% of veterans developed Dementia during an average follow-up of 11.0 years.
Neighbourhood disadvantage increases dementia risk
The research explored whether there was a difference in dementia incidence based on neighbourhood disadvantage as assessed by the Area Deprivation Index (ADI).
It found that veterans living in more disadvantaged neighbourhoods had an increased risk of Dementia, even after adjusting for demographic characteristics and other health conditions.
The most significant risk was observed among those residing in the most disadvantaged neighbourhood quintile.
Disproportionate impact of brain health on the socially disadvantaged
Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD) significantly affect historically underrepresented and socially disadvantaged populations.
Living in socioeconomically underprivileged neighbourhoods has been linked to various health issues, including cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, premature mortality, and cognitive impairment risks.
The “social exposome,” resulting from social inequalities and environmental exposure, plays a role in these adverse health outcomes beyond individual-level factors.
Area deprivation index and socioeconomic disadvantage
The Area Deprivation Index (ADI) is a publicly available measure offering geographically precise area-based neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage estimates. It integrates education, employment, housing, and poverty indicators, providing insights into how living in socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods can impact health and disease outcomes.
However, limited research has been conducted on the association between neighbourhood socioeconomic deprivation and cognitive impairment.
Unique study among veterans for dementia research
This study, conducted within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) healthcare system, examined the association of ADI quintile with ADRD incidence among veterans.
As the most extensive integrated healthcare system in the United States, the VHA provides an opportunity to explore the role of ADI in dementia incidence among a diverse population. The findings revealed significant differences in dementia incidence based on neighbourhood deprivation, highlighting the negative impact of neighbourhood disadvantage on brain health beyond individual-level factors.
Call for further research assessing Dementia
The study’s results indicate the importance of considering neighbourhood socioeconomic disadvantage when assessing dementia risk in older adults who receive care.
Even in a population with equal access to care, neighbourhood factors influence dementia incidence.
The study underscores the need for continued research to understand the pathways linking neighbourhood disadvantage to Alzheimer’s and related dementias, which can inform public policies, community interventions, and healthcare strategies to prevent and treat these conditions.
Impact of brain health in disadvantaged neighbourhoods
The study provides valuable insights into the association between neighbourhood disadvantage and dementia risk among Veterans Health Administration enrollees.
It emphasises the role of social determinants of health in affecting brain health. It highlights the necessity for comprehensive efforts to address and mitigate the impact of neighbourhood disadvantage on cognitive health.
