Study Finds Societal Inequality May Negatively Impact Brain Health

New Delhi: A new study led by an international team of researchers from Trinity College Dublin has revealed that socio-economic disparities may significantly influence brain health, particularly in ageing populations. The research, published in Nature Aging, highlights how higher levels of inequality are associated with reduced brain volume and disrupted connectivity in key brain regions.

The study found that these changes, particularly in the temporo-posterior and cerebellar regions critical for memory and cognitive function, are more pronounced in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. These findings suggest that structural inequalities may accelerate neurodegeneration in vulnerable populations.

In contrast, the researchers noted milder effects on brain structure in cases of frontotemporal lobar degeneration, likely due to a stronger genetic component in this form of dementia.

"Reduced brain volume and connectivity are frequently observed in patients with dementia and are linked to disease progression and severity," the research team told IANS. The link between inequality and brain health remained strong even after controlling for individual factors such as education, age, sex, and cognitive ability, emphasizing the independent influence of societal factors.

Dr. Agustín Ibanez, Professor in Global Brain Health at Trinity College Dublin, highlighted to IANS the broader implications of these findings. "Considering dementia rates are rising, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, our study underscores the need for targeted interventions to address the root causes of brain health disparities," Ibanez said.

The research also points to the importance of considering macro-level environmental factors, such as governance, air pollution, migration, climate change, and access to green spaces, in global brain health research. These variables, along with individual social determinants of health, may significantly impact brain ageing and dementia outcomes.

Identifying region-specific factors that exacerbate brain ageing could pave the way for interventions aimed at mitigating the burden of dementia in disadvantaged communities. This study emphasizes the need to address the broader societal determinants of brain health to combat the rising global rates of dementia.