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Neighborhood affluence and cognitive decline: Moderation by race?

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  • Bell, Mallory J.

Abstract

Prior research indicates that neighborhood affluence is associated with better cognitive function in later life, yet we are relatively unaware if this benefit extends equally to White and Black adults. In the current study, I use three-level growth curve models and data from the Health and Retirement Study geocoded to data from the National Neighborhood Data Archive (N = 13,384) to examine the relationship between neighborhood affluence, race, and changes in cognitive function over a decade. Results indicate that neighborhood affluence was associated with higher baseline levels of cognitive function, and this relationship was more pronounced for Black adults. Cognitive function declined as respondents aged over the study period, yet neighborhood affluence, as well as its interaction with race, was not related to change in cognitive function. These findings suggest that neighborhood affluence is a salient contextual resource linked to racial disparities in cognitive function.

Suggested Citation

  • Bell, Mallory J., 2025. "Neighborhood affluence and cognitive decline: Moderation by race?," Social Science & Medicine, Elsevier, vol. 385(C).
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:socmed:v:385:y:2025:i:c:s0277953625009268
    DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118595
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