Perceived racism, cardiovascular disease risk, and neurocognitive aging

Boston University Medical Campus, Boston MA

Investigators

Linked publications & trials

Abstract

Research has indicated a possible relationship between the medial temporal hippocampal (MTH) region, stress, and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). During the later stages of AD, the hippocampus exhibits atrophy. Research has shown that high levels of racial discrimination against Black communities may be associated with lower initial hippocampal volume and a faster accumulation of white matter hyperintensities, two factors associated with AD and other related dementias. Yet, little is known about how chronic experiences of racialized stress contribute to poor brain health in communities of people racialized as Black. To investigate this critical unmet need, the parent grant aims to investigate possible associations between racial burden and Black self-identified older adults' brain health, focusing on the medial temporal hippocampal (MTH) and prefrontal-executive systems. An identified knowledge gap in the parent grant is the possible effects of racial salience, i.e., how race influences the development of an individual's idea, or concept, of their self. Most commonly studied in adolescents and young adults, racial salience has been shown to serve as a coping mechanism within Black communities against feelings of anxiety and depression. Research on the effects of racial salience within Black older adults remains relatively inconclusive and limited. Although racial salience might be able to function as a protective factor in young Black communities, more research is necessary on the effects of racial salience on brain health in Black older adults to determine its impact throughout the lifespan. To address this knowledge gap, the proposed diversity supplement aims to serve as an addition to the parent study by examining possible associations between racial salience, chronic racial burden, and hippocampal volume while training the candidate in the related cognitive neuroscience methods and concepts, neuropsychological assessment, brain health disparities, and advanced statistical modeling. The scientific purpose of the proposed study is to: 1) Identify potential coping strategies for racial stress within Black communities; and 2) Identify potential benefits of racial salience. Aim 1: Investigate potential associations between racial salience, chronic racial burden, and hippocampal volume. Hypothesis: Higher levels of racial salience will either moderate or mediate the relationship between racial burden and hippocampal health. Approach/Method: Participants will complete 1) the Ethnic-Racial Salience Subscale from the Cross Racial Identity Scale which measures an individual’s overall racial salience6, 2) the parent grant’s measures of a racism burden index, and 3) structural MRI. Regression models with mediation/moderation will be used to analyze the effects of racial salience on the relationship between racial burden and MTH volumes. Payout/impact: A positive outcome of the proposed research will be advancing culturally-sensitive and attuned research exploring AD/ADRDs in racialized Black older adults. The proposed study is critical for developing a deeper understanding of racial identity and its relationship with AD/ADRDs in racialized Black older adults.