How Neighborhoods Shape Our Brains

Especially for Black and Latinx Older Adults

Study Highlights

• Impact of Segregation: Living in segregated areas may negatively affect brain health.
• Brain Structures: MRI scans focused on the hippocampus and white matter.
• Participants: 269 individuals, average age 74, diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Key Findings

• Black Individuals: Smaller hippocampal volumes in highly Latinx segregated areas.
• Latinx Individuals: Smaller hippocampal volumes in highly Black segregated neighborhoods.
• White Matter: Latinx individuals in highly Latinx segregated areas showed more white matter hyperintensities.

Implications

• Negative Effects: Segregated neighborhoods may impact brain health for Black and Latinx individuals.
• No Effect on Whites: The study did not find similar effects for White participants.
• Possible Factors: Access to recreational facilities and other social determinants may play a role.

Future Research

• Starting Point: More research is needed to confirm and understand these findings.
• Underlying Mechanisms: Exploring how living environments impact brain health and overall well-being.