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Symposium

Behavioral and Social Sciences

Cognitive Aging Among Older Latinos in the US, Mexico, and Brazil

Friday, November 15, 2024
8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
Location: Room 604
CE: 1.5

Amidst rapid demographic transitions in the Americas, where dementia prevalence is poised to double by 2050, this symposium offers a crucial exploration of cognitive health in the Americas. Leveraging data from Brazil, Mexico, and the US, it emphasizes understanding measurement, contextual factors, diversity of experiences, and associated costs in addressing this pressing global challenge. Cantu et al. scrutinize how gender influences cognitive assessments in older adults in the US and Mexico, unveiling potential biases in reporting and underscoring the need for accurate diagnosis. Exploring cultural resources among very old Mexican American immigrants, Kim and Silverstein shed light on their impact on psychological and cognitive well-being, highlighting the role of cultural context in shaping health outcomes and offering insights into protective factors against cognitive decline. Estimating the economic impact of dementia, Mudrazija et al. assess lost wages, medical care spending, and unpaid care costs for African American and Latino adults in the US and their caregivers, projecting these costs through 2060. García-Chanes and Lopez-Ortega characterize the sample of older adults in Mexico living with dementia in 2016 and the specific sources of social and economic support they receive. Lastly, Chen et al. examine the association between Internet use and cognitive health among Brazilian older adults, suggesting the potential of technology in promoting cognitive well-being and stressing the importance of innovative approaches in enhancing cognitive health outcomes. By synthesizing diverse perspectives and data sources, this symposium offers invaluable insights for developing targeted interventions and policies to address the challenges posed by dementia.

Learning Objectives:

  • After attending this session, participants will be able to recognize the significance of culture and context in shaping the measurement of cognitive health and understand how these factors influence psychological and cognitive well-being among older adults in the US and Mexico.
  • After attending this session, participants will be able to analyze the economic and social impact of dementia, including lost wages, healthcare expenditures, and caregiver costs, specifically among African American and Latino populations in the US, as well as in Mexico.
  • After attending this session, participants will be able to evaluate the potential role of Internet usage in promoting cognitive health among older adults.

Presentations:

  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
    Social and Economic Support for People Living With Dementia in Mexico
  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
    International Comparison of Gender Differences in Informant Reports of Cognitive Decline in Older Adults
  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
    Economic Impact of Dementia on African American and Latino Adults: A Growing Challenge
  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
    Cultural Resources and Psychological Well-Being Influences on Cognitive Function in Mexican American Immigrants
  • 8:00 AM – 9:30 AM PST
    Internet Use Among Brazilians Adults in Late Life: Determinants of Use and Impacts on Cognitive Health

    Individual Symposium Abstract First Author: Xiayu Summer Chen, MSW (she/her/hers) – University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign