Alzheimer’s disease affects hundreds of thousands of Canadians, yet not everyone is affected in the same way. Black, Hispanic, and lower-income older adults often experience higher rates of dementia, but we do not fully understand why. Some people with similar levels of brain changes remain mentally sharp, a phenomenon called cognitive reserve. This study will explore how factors such as education, income, neighborhood quality, and social support influence brain health and cognition across different racial and ethnic groups. Our goal is to determine which protective factors are most important for each community. Our findings will help doctors, healthcare workers, and community organizations develop better, more personalized strategies tailored to each community's needs to ensure everyone has equal opportunities to maintain cognitive health and independence as they age.
