CULTURE AND COGNITION: RISK FACTORS FOR ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IN US HONOR CULTURES
2024

Cultural Factors and Alzheimer's Disease Risk in Honor Cultures

publication Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Harrington Erin, Bock Jarrod

Primary Institution: University of Wyoming

Hypothesis

Honor cultures may contribute to increased risk of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias due to specific cultural behaviors.

Conclusion

Individuals in honor cultures are more likely to experience traumatic brain injury, subjective cognitive decline, and higher mortality rates from Alzheimer's disease.

Supporting Evidence

  • Honor-orientation significantly predicts unintentional TBI death rates.
  • Honor-orientation significantly predicts frequency of subjective cognitive decline.
  • Honor-orientation significantly predicts Alzheimer's disease death rates.

Takeaway

People from honor cultures might have a higher chance of getting Alzheimer's because of their cultural behaviors that can lead to injuries and health issues.

Methodology

The study analyzed statewide data collected between 2009-2019 to examine the relationship between honor-orientation and various health outcomes.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to cultural stigma affecting help-seeking behaviors.

Limitations

The study is limited to statewide data and may not capture individual-level factors.

Participant Demographics

Data from various states in the US, focusing on honor cultures primarily in southern and western states.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p < 0.001, p = 0.004, p = 0.048

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1093/geroni/igae098.2584

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