Salivary Cortisol Patterns and Their Link to Cognitive Decline: A Study on Racial Disparities

Just now September 20, 2026 1 min read 📰 Medical Xpress

📋 Key Takeaway

A study published in JAMA Network Open found that irregular patterns and higher levels of salivary cortisol are linked to cognitive decline, with Black participants showing lower cortisol levels than white participants. This research highlights potential health disparities that could be relevant in understanding the broader implications of stress and health in diverse populations, including in Iran. Understanding these patterns can inform public health strategies in Iran as it faces various socio-economic stresses.

In a study published in the journal JAMA Network Open, an irregular pattern and consistently higher levels of the stress hormone cortisol in saliva were associated with cognitive decline later in life. Black participants specifically had lower overall cortisol levels and less change in their levels during the day than white participants, according to newly published research.