Socioeconomic Disparities, Chronic Stress, and Neurodegeneration: A Canadian Policy Perspective on Risk Reduction

Abstract

Global aging, driven by improved nutrition, sanitation, education, and healthcare, has increased neurodegenerative disease prevalence. Addressing the structural causes of chronic stress, particularly those linked to SES disparities, is crucial in mitigating the rising incidence
of neurodegenerative diseases. This perspective synthesizes literature to propose a framework linking socioeconomic status, chronic stress, and neurodegeneration and discusses how policy interventions with a focus on the Canadian context can address structural stressors to reduce neurodegenerative disease risk.