Neurosciences des Croyances

The role of social participation in cognitive health in an underserved older population: Evidence from AfroBrazilian-Quilombola Communities.

Simon SS, Cappi C, Cabral Junior JD, Texeira RGS, Alves GS, de Oliveira BLCA

Int Psychogeriatr . 2026;38 (2) :100138

📅 01/03/2026 PMID : 40883138 DOI : 10.1016/j.inpsyc.2025.100138

Résumé

OBJECTIVES: Quilombos are settlements founded by descendants of runaway enslaved populations in Brazil, and often present social vulnerabilities, high levels of illiteracy, and limited health access. The Quilombola population likely presents an increased risk for dementia; however, it is underrepresented in aging research. This study aimed to investigate the association between cognition and social participation, which remains unclear in underserved communities.METHODS: This cross-sectional study was conducted in 11 Quilombola rural underserved communities in Brazil. The study comprised 221 older adults (60-104 years). Participants completed a health survey and a cognitive screening. Demographics, cardiovascular risk factors, mood, cognition, and social participation were assessed. Regression models examined the association between social participation and cognition, accounting for demographics and health measures. Our models also examined the moderation role of age and sex.RESULTS: Higher social participation was associated with better cognition (p 