Social and Health Disparities Drive Brain Aging in Latin America

A new study published in The Lancet Global Health reveals how social and health disparities shape brain aging in Latin America, highlighting education and mental health as key predictors of cognitive decline. The research, which examined 41,092 individuals from Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Uruguay, and Ecuador, found that Brazil exhibits unique risk factors compared to other nations.

How Social Inequality Affects Brain Aging

Maintaining cognitive and functional abilities is crucial for healthy aging. However, brain aging is not solely influenced by genetics—it is also shaped by social, economic, and health-related factors.

Across Latin America, disparities in education, mental health, physical activity, and access to healthcare contribute to differences in brain health outcomes. While previous research suggested age and gender as primary risk factors, this study found that socioeconomic inequalities play a larger role.

“Our findings suggest that brain aging is deeply connected to social and health disparities rather than just demographic factors,” researchers noted.

Key Findings: Brazil vs. Other Latin American Countries

Researchers used machine learning models to analyze risk factors for cognitive decline and functional ability.

Cognition Predictors:

• Brazil: Education was the top predictor of cognitive decline
• Other Latin American countries: Mental health symptoms were the strongest predictor
• Overall: Socioeconomic status, smoking, and physical inactivity also played significant roles

Functional Ability Predictors:

• Mental health symptoms were the primary risk factor across all countries
• In Brazil, regional disparities affected functional ability, with the northern region showing the highest decline
• Falls, heart disease, and diabetes also contributed to declining mobility

Why Brazil Stands Out

• Higher educational attainment among participants, yet poorer cognitive outcomes
• Greater mental health burden compared to other nations
• Lower levels of physical inactivity, yet higher dementia rates
• Widespread healthcare disparities despite government-provided services

What This Means for Public Health

Targeted interventions must address education gaps, mental health care, and regional inequalities to slow brain aging.

Governments should prioritize:

• Expanding mental health services
• Improving access to quality education
• Encouraging physical activity and lifestyle changes

Conclusion: Urgent Need for Regional Solutions

This study underscores the complex relationship between social factors and brain aging in Latin America. With Brazil facing unique risks, a one-size-fits-all approach won’t work. Instead, country-specific strategies are needed to promote long-term cognitive health across the region.

More Information: Da Ros, L.U., Borelli, W.V., Aguzzoli, C.S., De Bastiani, MA., Schilling, L.P., Santamaria-Garcia, H., Pascoal, T.A., Rosa-Neto, P., O Souza, D., da Costa, J.C., Ibañez, A., Suemoto, C.K., Zimmer, E.R. (2025) Social and health disparities associated with healthy brain ageing in Brazil and in other Latin American countries. The Lancet Global Health. doi: 10.1016/S2214-109X(24)00451-0.