Effect of neighbourhood deprivation on cognitive health: examining psychological and physiological mechanisms and differential risk by minority status

Project Summary

This study explores how living in disadvantaged neighbourhoods can impact memory and cognitive health over time, especially among vulnerable and marginalized groups. Research shows that people in poorer neighbourhoods face a higher risk of cognitive decline, but less is understood about why this happens. This project uses data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) to examine how social and material challenges in these neighbourhoods contribute to cognitive decline and memory problems. The study looks at factors like stress, social isolation, and physical health issues to understand how they may link neighbourhood deprivation to cognitive health. It also considers whether certain groups-such as immigrants and racial and sexual minorities-experience these effects more intensely due to additional stress from social inequalities. By shedding light on these connections, this research supports Canada’s goal to foster healthy aging and build stronger, more resilient communities