Socioeconomic Factors and White Matter Changes Affect Brain Health in Later Life

Research from the University of Edinburgh highlights the significant influence of socioeconomic status (SES) on brain health as individuals age. The study demonstrates a link between social and economic factors—such as income, education, occupation, and social deprivation—and changes in the brain's white matter. White matter hyperintensities are known to be associated with cognitive decline and dementia risk, and the findings suggest that SES may play a causal role in their development.

The groundbreaking study analyzed data from nearly one million people worldwide, exploring the genetic underpinnings of SES indicators. It identified a common genetic factor underlying occupation, income, education, and social deprivation, termed the 'genetic factor of socioeconomic status.' Through advanced genome-wide association studies, researchers pinpointed 554 genetic regions associated with SES.

Further analysis revealed that lower SES correlates with increased white matter hyperintensities in the brain, which can impair cognitive functions and elevate dementia risk. The research suggests that socioeconomic disadvantage is not just a social issue but also an environmental risk factor influencing brain aging.

An international team employed genetic data alongside MRI scans from around 40,000 individuals to explore how SES impacts brain structure. Results indicated that better socioeconomic conditions tend to be linked with healthier brain white matter, potentially delaying neurodegeneration.

Lead researcher Dr. David Hill explained that using a shared genetic signal across different SES measures allowed the team to isolate the effects of socioeconomic factors on brain health. He emphasized that SES influences are modifiable, which could lead to targeted interventions to promote healthier brain aging.

Dr. Charley Xia added that, while genetic predispositions play a role, the study underscores the importance of environmental and social factors in brain health. The findings emphasize that improving socioeconomic conditions can be a strategy to support cognitive resilience and reduce dementia risk.

The research, published in Molecular Psychiatry, highlights the potential for genetic data to identify environmental risk factors and guide public health policies aimed at reducing brain aging disparities. This study utilized data from the UK Biobank and the Social Science Genetic Association Consortium, with contributions from researchers across the UK, Netherlands, and Italy.

For more information, see the full study: Deciphering the influence of socioeconomic status on brain structure.