Loading...
Longitudinal Engagement in Modifiable Lifestyle Behaviors and Racial–Ethnic Differences in Dementia Risk
Journal Title
Journal of Aging and Health
Keywords
Readers/Advisors
Journal Title
Term and Year
Publication Date
2025-03-23
Book Title
Publication Volume
37
Publication Issue
3-4_suppl
Publication Begin
Publication End
Number of pages
Research Projects
Organizational Units
Journal Issue
Abstract
Objectives
The objective was to examine racial–ethnic differences in longitudinal engagement for lifestyle behaviors and moderating role of race–ethnicity between lifestyle behaviors and dementia risk.
Methods
We analyzed 2011–2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study data, a nationally representative U.S. sample of 6155 White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian older adults aged 65+. Cox models regressed dementia on the interaction between lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, smoking, and social contacts) and race–ethnicity.
Results
Only smoking was associated with about a 45% higher dementia risk (aHR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.11–1.89). On average, Black and Hispanic respondents exhibited less frequent physical activity and social contacts, along with more frequent smoking. There was one significant interaction; more social contacts were associated with lower dementia risk among Asian respondents (aHR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05–0.55).
Discussion
Racial–ethnic differences in lifestyle behaviors should be considered when addressing dementia disparities. Future research needs to explore the relationship between social contacts and lower dementia risk among Asian older adults.
Citation
Wong, R., Mikhailova, T., Hudson, D., Park, S., & Guo, S. (2025). Longitudinal Engagement in Modifiable Lifestyle Behaviors and Racial–Ethnic Differences in Dementia Risk. Journal of Aging and Health, 37(3-4_suppl), 22S-31S. https://doi.org/10.1177/08982643241308938
Description
This study was ethically approved by the Institutional Review Board for the Protection of Human Subjects at SUNY Upstate Medical University under project number 2161653-1.
Accessibility Statement
If this SOAR repository item is not accessible to you (e.g. able to be used in the context of a disability), please email libsuppt@upstate.edu.