Structural and social determinants of dementia risk among adults racialized as Black: Results from a community-based system dynamics approach.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) disproportionately affect Black Americans compared to non-Hispanic White individuals. We examined perceived dementia risk factors among Black adults in St. Louis via a participatory approach.

Methods

In 36 community-based system dynamics workshops (CBSD), 234 participants co-created causal loop diagrams capturing influences on dementia. We analyzed these diagrams using ecological methods to identify a shared core model and examine variation by neighborhood-level deprivation.

Results

CBSD revealed a framework for how economic hardship, especially low income and unemployment, reduces access to physical and mental healthcare, driving dementia risk. Those from more deprived areas highlighted the need for improv

SUBMITTER: Trani JF 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12276076 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jul

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature