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Hispanic older adults represent a rapidly growing demographic in the United States and may be disproportionately affected by cognitive impairment and depression. This study aimed to examine ethnic differences in the prevalence of cognitive impairment and depression among low-income Hispanic and non-Hispanic White older adults, and to explore the relationship between cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms within these groups.

This cross-sectional study included 157 older adults (age = 76.3 ± 6.7 years, female = 133), recruited from independent living facilities and low-income community centers in Central Florida. The sample consisted of Hispanic (n = 91) and non-Hispanic White (n = 66) older adults. Cognitive impairment was assessed using the Memory Impairment Screen, and depression was measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). Chi-square tests and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to analyze group differences.

A significant difference in cognitive impairment prevalence was found between ethnic groups (χ² = 7.528, p = .006), with Hispanic participants showing higher rates. However, depression scores did not significantly differ between Hispanic and non-Hispanic White participants (U = 2930.50, p = .79), nor between those with and without cognitive impairment within each ethnic group (Hispanic: U = 839.00, p = .71; non-Hispanic White: U = 227.50, p = .93).

Cognitive impairment is more prevalent among low-income Hispanic older adults compared to their non-Hispanic White counterparts. These findings emphasize the need for culturally tailored interventions to improve cognitive health care access for older adults.