Associations between discriminatory experiences and dementia in the Health and Retirement Study

Dramatic racial and ethnic disparities in dementia necessitate research into potential risk factors and points of intervention. Using data from a large sample (n = 13,733) of older US residents participating in the Health and Retirement Study between 2006 and 2016, we investigated relationships between everyday and major discrimination and development of dementia. Data on self-reported everyday and major discrimination were collected via questionnaires. Algorithmic classification of probable dementia status was determined via a battery of cognitive tests. We used logistic regression models, and analyses were stratified by race and ethnicity and sex. We found that overall, more frequent experiences of everyday discrimination were associated with higher odds of developing dementia (odds ratio (OR) = 1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.10, 1.27; p < 0.001). Estimates stratified by race similarly suggested the positive association between everyday discrimination and odds of dementia onset was highest in non-Hispanic Black participants (OR: 1.30; 95% CI: 1.13, 1.51; p < 0.001). Our results reveal a link between frequency of everyday experiences of discrimination and dementia onset and highlight the role of psychosocial exposures in health and disease. This study underlines the impact that psychosocial stressors can have on cognitive health. Interventions addressing psychosocial risk factors experienced disproportionately by historically marginalized groups may be crucial in the goal to mitigate dementia disparities and achieve dementia equity.