Abstract
The aging global population has brought increased attention to cognitive health and early detection of cognitive decline. Subjective Cognitive Decline (SCD), defined as self-reported memory or thinking problems, is an early marker of neurodegenerative diseases. Despite growing research, gaps remain in understanding how geographic disparities influence SCD prevalence and contributing factors. The Texas-Mexico border region, predominantly Hispanic and facing unique socioeconomic and health care challenges, offers a unique context to explore these influences. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence of SCD and related functional limitations in Texas-Mexico border counties versus non-border counties, using 2021 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Methods: A cross-sectional analysis of adults aged 45+ was conducted, focusing on demographic characteristics, chronic health conditions, health care access, and health behaviors as SCD predictors. Logistic regression models were used to assess these associations. Results: SCD prevalence was slightly higher in border counties (16.49%) than non-border counties (13.95%), but this difference was not statistically significant. However, SCD-related functional limitations were significantly more prevalent in border counties (66.21% vs. 46.31%, p = 0.0018), suggesting a greater impact on daily functioning. Significant SCD predictors included younger age, unemployment, depression, hypertension, heart disease, COPD, health care cost barriers, and physical inactivity. Conclusion: Findings highlight the need for targeted public health interventions in border counties, aimed at improving health care access, managing chronic conditions, and addressing socioeconomic disparities to reduce the functional impact of cognitive decline. These insights can guide efforts to reduce cognitive health disparities in underserved populations.
Date of publication
Fall 11-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Language
english
Persistent identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4785
Committee members
William Sorensen, Ph.D.; Fletcher Njororai, Ph.D.; Jessica Escareno, Ph.D.; Samantha Estrada, Ph.D.
Degree
Master of Science in Health Sciences
Recommended Citation
Valenzuela, Bianca D., "DISPARITIES IN COGNITIVE DECLINE ALONG THE TEXAS-MEXICO BORDER: INSIGHTS FROM THE 2021 BRFSS" (2024). Health and Kinesiology Theses. Paper 34.
http://hdl.handle.net/10950/4785
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