ADI Effect on Brain Processes

This is a map of the ADI (Area Deprivation Index) Rankings of the U.S. in 2021. 

Without doubt, one can say that there are a significant number of disadvantaged regions in the U.S. People in these areas do not have access to good quality food and instead, are consuming foods dense with trans-fatty acids. Additionally, these people are living in communities that are not promoting physical activity. Not only do these living conditions correlate to the health of the body and BMI (body mass index), but they also have an effect on the brain microstructure. 

A study took a deep dive into the relationship between ADI and the T1w/T2w ratio of the cortical ribbon of the brain with the help of 92 participants. The T1w/T2w ratio is used to identify anatomical differences in tissue structures. The cortical ribbon is the layer of gray matter in the cerebellar cortex. It plays a crucial role in reward, emotional regulation, and motor learning. The study discovered that the T1w/T2w ratio decreased in deeper areas of the cortex including the super marginal, middle temporal, and primary motor areas. This could affect how neurons in the brain communicate with each other. In the superficial layers of the cortex which are the cingulate and medial prefrontal regions, the T1w/T2w ratio increased, and was also influenced by higher BMI. Increasing T1w/T2w ratio and BMI was positively associated with trans-fatty acids. The study sheds light on the newly discovered impact that a high ADI can have on brain health.

Just one quick glance at the U.S. ADI map in 2021 makes it apparent that this is a call for action. The brain microstructures of the people living in high ADI regions must be parallel to those of  the 92 participants. Beyond the critical impact on the people’s well-being, I believe low ADI could potentially affect the world’s economy and how we go about the next few decades. And only to imagine the data that might exist where there is warfare, such as in Ukraine, is appalling.  We as a community should take initiative and provide service, promote physical activity, and fund for better food-quality, because poor living conditions can sway the path our future takes.