Longitudinal Engagement in Modifiable Lifestyle Behaviors and Racial-Ethnic Differences in Dementia Risk

ObjectivesThe objective was to examine racial-ethnic differences in longitudinal engagement for lifestyle behaviors and moderating role of race-ethnicity between lifestyle behaviors and dementia risk.MethodsWe analyzed 2011-2021 National Health and Aging Trends Study data, a nationally representative U.S. sample of 6155 White, Black, Hispanic, and Asian older adults aged 65+. Cox models regressed dementia on the interaction between lifestyle behaviors (physical activity, smoking, and social contacts) and race-ethnicity.ResultsOnly smoking was associated with about a 45% higher dementia risk (aHR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.11-1.89). On average, Black and Hispanic respondents exhibited less frequent physical activity and social contacts, along with more frequent smoking. There was one significant interaction; more social contacts were associated with lower dementia risk among Asian respondents (aHR = 0.16, 95% CI = 0.05-0.55).DiscussionRacial-ethnic differences in lifestyle behaviors should be considered when addressing dementia disparities. Future research needs to explore the relationship between social contacts and lower dementia risk among Asian older adults.