Neurology

Social vulnerability index linked to higher Alzheimer disease risk

April 3, 2025

Study details: This secondary analysis of the Chicago Health and Aging Project, a population-based cohort study, examined the association between the Social Vulnerability Index (SVI) and the risk of incident Alzheimer disease (AD) in a population-based cohort of 6,781 older adults, with a significant representation of Black (over 60%) and female (over 60%) participants.

Results: Participants living in areas with higher SVI had a significantly increased risk of developing AD. Specifically, those in the 50th to 75th percentile SVI had an odds ratio (OR) of 2.23 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.23-4.05), and those above the 75th percentile had an OR of 2.04 (95% CI, 1.03-4.04). Additionally, the annual rate of cognitive decline was 18% faster for those in the 50th to 75th percentile and 25% faster for those above the 75th percentile, compared with participants below the 25th percentile.

Clinical impact: These findings underscore the importance of addressing social determinants of health in older adults. Prioritizing resources for communities with higher social vulnerability could help mitigate the risk of AD and slow cognitive decline, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Source:

Desai P, et al. (2025, April 22). Neurology. The Social Vulnerability Index and Incidence of Alzheimer Disease in a Population-Based Sample of Older Adults. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40138617/