Changes in neighborhood-level socioeconomic disadvantage and older Americans' cognitive functioning

Background: While associations of neighborhood conditions with cognitive functioning at older ages have been established, few studies have investigated with a dynamic perspective if changing neighborhood socioeconomic conditions affect older residents' cognitive declines, and which putative factors mediate this relationship. Method: Using data from waves 2 (2010-2011) and 3 (2015-2016) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project (NSHAP) survey (n = 1837), ordinary least squares regressions and mediation analyses were conducted, adjusting for multiple confounders and testing eight putative mediators. Results: Worsening neighborhood socioeconomic circumstances were associated with cognitive declines. Changes in depressive symptoms, sizes of close social networks, and physical activity substantially mediated this relationship. Discussion: While 18.10% of the total effect occurred through these mechanisms, further pathways may work through contextual-and individual-level variables not assessed in the NSHAP.

Automated summary

The study found that worsening neighborhood socioeconomic conditions were associated with cognitive declines in older adults. Changes in depressive symptoms, sizes of close social networks, and physical activity substantially mediated this relationship. Although 18.10% of the total effect occurred through these mechanisms, further pathways may involve contextual and individual-level variables not assessed in the study.