The structural and social determinants of Alzheimer's disease related dementias

INTRODUCTIONThe projected growth of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and AD-related dementia (ADRD) cases by midcentury has expanded the research field and impelled new lines of inquiry into structural and social determinants of health (S/SDOH) as fundamental drivers of disparities in AD/ADRD. METHODSIn this review, we employ Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory as a framework to posit how S/SDOH impact AD/ADRD risk and outcomes. RESULTSBronfenbrenner defined the "macrosystem" as the realm of power (structural) systems that drive S/SDOH and that are the root cause of health disparities. These root causes have been discussed little to date in relation to AD/ADRD, and thus, macrosystem influences, such as racism, classism, sexism, and homophobia, are the emphasis in this paper. DISCUSSIONUnder Bronfenbrenner's macrosystem framework, we highlight key quantitative and qualitative studies linking S/SDOH with AD/ADRD, identify scientific gaps in the literature, and propose guidance for future research. HighlightsEcological systems theory links structural/social determinants to AD/ADRD.Structural/social determinants accrue and interact over the life course to impact AD/ADRD.Macrosystem is made up of societal norms, beliefs, values, and practices (e.g., laws).Most macro-level determinants have been understudied in the AD/ADRD literature.