Economic Inequality and Restricted Access to Health Care: Heightened Importance of Mental Demands to Protect Against Dementia?

• Applicant: Privatdozentin Dr. Francisca Saveria Rodriguez
• Subject Area: Public Health, Healthcare Research, Social and Occupational Medicine
• Term: Funded in 2016
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 314335826

As prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia in the elderly is rising, lifestyle factors that influence the prevalence of dementia play a more important role than ever before. Our previous research findings demonstrated that high mental demands could protect against dementia and cognitive decline. Yet, it is unclear in how far economic factors impact these protective effects. The intended research project aims at investigating whether and to what extent economic inequality and access to health care impact the protective effect of mental demands against dementia and cognitive decline using data of SAGE study (a longitudinal study by the world health organization (WHO) in China, Ghana, India, Mexico, Russia and South Africa). Insights on such influences are particularly important as exactly these population groups will not able to provide for themselves and depend on external resources and public support. Thus, the intended research project will, on one hand, help to understand principles of how poverty impacts prevalence of cognitive impairment and dementia and, on the other hand, advise resource allocation for improving population health.

• DFG Programme: Research Fellowships
• International Connection: Switzerland
• Host: Professor Dr. Somnath Chatterji