NYMC Student Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

4-29-2025

Document Type

Doctoral Dissertation - Restricted (NYMC/Touro only) Access

Degree Name

Doctor of Public Health

Department

Basic Medical Sciences

First Advisor

Kenneth Knapp

Second Advisor

Erin Bouldin

Third Advisor

Patricia Patrick

Abstract

This study explored the association between perceived racial discrimination and subjective cognitive decline among adults 45 years and older in the United States. Secondary data analysis was conducted using the 2023 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) survey. The sample consisted of respondents from states that included responses from the Cognitive Decline and Reactions to Race optional modules in the BRFSS. Data analysis included univariate, bivariate, and logistic regression analysis, while accounting for the complex sampling design. The results of this study indicated that adults who reported worse racial treatment, both in general and in healthcare, were more likely to report cognitive decline, with the highest prevalence reported among Black adults. Perceived racial discrimination is significantly associated with subjective cognitive decline, necessitating the need for culturally-tailored healthcare practices and policies to reduce these racial disparities in cognitive health outcomes.

Keywords

subjective cognitive decline, perceived racial discrimination

Disciplines

Community Health and Preventive Medicine | Epidemiology

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Available for download on Tuesday, June 30, 2026

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