by Annette Pinder
It is estimated that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias affect 60 to 80 percent of the United States population, with people in the Black community being more significantly affected. While research is not definitive, barriers to care for Alzheimer’s and delays in diagnosis seem to explain why twice as many Black Americans having dementia than older white Americans.
According to an Alzheimer’s Association report, Alzheimer’s and other dementias can affect anywhere from 14 to 100 percent more African Americans than white Americans. Research also shows that the population of African Americans over 65 will likely more than double by 2030.
Medical experts say that risk factors for certain health conditions more prevalent in the Black community, and noted below, likely contribute to the increased the risk Alzheimer’s.
High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure is a key risk factor for developing dementia in later life, particularly vascular dementia. Research undertaken by the Department of Health and Human Services found that 57.2 percent of Black males had high blood pressure compared with 50.2 percent of white males. Similarly, 56.7% of Black females had high blood pressure, compared with just 43.6% of white females. One study cited by Medical News Today, believes that lifelong discrimination experienced by Black people is associated with both high blood pressure and depression is associated with a higher risk for dementia.
Diabetes. A 2020 report in The Lancet revealed that type 2 diabetes is also associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, and the National Institutes of Health found that Black people are twice as white people to develop type 2 diabetes, and that biological, environmental, psychosocial, socioeconomic, and behavioral factors are significant risk factors for type 2 diabetes.
Heart Disease and Stroke. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a person who has had a stroke or who has heart disease is twice as likely to develop vascular dementia. A Black person is around one and a half more likely to have a stroke than a white person and Black Americans are 30 percent more likely than white Americans to die from heart disease.
Diet and Nutrition. We know that poor diet contributes to chronic disease states. A 2019 census revealed that 17.4 percent of African American families were living under the poverty line, while only 5.5 percent of non-Hispanic white families were living in the same situation. Lack of access to fresh food, and fewer opportunities to exercise contribute to chronic disease associated with Alzheimer’s.
Genetics. A 2020 genome study published in Jama Network found that certain genetic factors are unique to African Americans with Alzheimer’s disease. While additional research is needed, the study provided clues as to why Black, Indigenous, and people of color are more likely to develop dementia.
Learn more about how you can help, receive help, and participate in an upcoming special dinner titled “Around Your Table, Serving Up Memories,” on June 8 featuring some of Buffalo’s finest restaurants, at https://www.alz.org/wny.
