# The Role of Mid-life Psychosocial Stressors, Social Resources and Physiological Dysregulation in Understanding Race Differences in Cognitive Decline

> **NIH NIH R21** · UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO · 2020 · $327,013

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
As individuals age, gradual changes in memory, learning and decision-making naturally occur; however,
accelerated rates of cognitive decline may be signs of impending impairment and dementia. Racial and ethnic
minorities carry a greater dementia burden than whites with a prevalence and incidence rate approximately 2-3
times higher among blacks than whites. These disparities are often attributed to differences in socioeconomic
status, lifestyle factors, chronic conditions and childhood conditions. While accounting for these factors tends
to reduce these disparities, the black-white difference often persists, warranting examination of other
determinants of this inequity, particularly at earlier stages of the life course. Recent research suggest that
cognitive decline among blacks begins during mid-life. This earlier rate of decline may be due to differential
exposure to mid-life acute and chronic stressors. Older racial and ethnic minorities generally report greater
exposure to stress compared to whites, which puts them at greater risk for poor health. These stressors can
accelerate dysregulation of key physiological systems, including the cardiovascular, metabolic and immune
systems, which are associated with cognitive outcomes. Thus, race differences in stress exposure that lead to
differences in physiological functioning may be one pathway through which stressors differentially affect the
cognitive function of blacks and whites. Additionally, social resources, such as social support, engagement and
integration are associated with positive cognitive outcomes and may protect against the negative effects of
acute and chronic stressors on change in cognitive function. The overarching goal of this proposal is to assess
the role of acute and chronic stressors, social resources and physiological dysregulation on black-white
differences in change in cognitive function. We will: determine whether acute and chronic stressors during mid-
life are associated with cognitive decline and whether they explain black-white differences in cognitive decline
(Aim 1); examine whether change in physiological dysregulation mediates the relationship between mid-life
stress and cognitive decline (Aim 2); and, determine whether mid-life availability of social resources influences
the relationship between stress and cognitive decline (Aim 3). Finally, we will test a conceptual model for
cognitive decline that incorporates acute and chronic stressors, social resources and physiological
dysregulation across race- and sex-specific groups (Aim 4). To achieve these aims, we will use data from the
Health and Retirement Study and linear mixed effects models that include random intercepts and random
slopes. The findings from this research will improve our understanding of mid-life factors that influence aging
and disparities in cognitive function, thus aligning with Goal B and F of the National Institute on Aging’s
Strategic Plan. This research will also help identify poi...

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10057959
- **Project number:** 1R21AG065654-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS AT CHICAGO
- **Principal Investigator:** Uchechi Acholonu Mitchell
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $327,013
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-09-15 → 2023-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10057959

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10057959, The Role of Mid-life Psychosocial Stressors, Social Resources and Physiological Dysregulation in Understanding Race Differences in Cognitive Decline (1R21AG065654-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10057959. Licensed CC0.

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