Research on Early Stress and Dementia among African-Americans

Dr. Antonio Bullon is a longtime psychiatrist with past experience guiding the Geriatric and Neuropsychiatry Treatment Unit at MetroWest Medical Center in Massachusetts. Currently practicing with Mount Auburn Hospital in Maryland, Dr. Antonio Bullon undertakes evaluation and management of the geriatric population for Parkinson’s disease, depression, and dementia.
As reported by NPR, recent research presented in London at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference points to links between stress and “harsh life experiences” and forms of dementia such as Alzheimer’s among African-Americans.
With genetic factors not playing a major contributing role, African-Americans are twice as likely as their Caucasian counterparts to develop dementia. Contributing factors include diabetes and high blood pressure, both of which can impact the brain. A particular predictor is high levels of stress experienced at an early age and being born in a region with high infant mortality.
Researchers emphasize that the connection between brain changes and adverse life experiences needs to be studied more, with a particular focus on stress hormones and the way in which they may lead to brain inflammation.
