ALZHEIMER’S ASSOCIATION: IOWA CHAPTER Alzheimer’s Disease and the Black and African American Communities By Alzheimer’s Association All year round, and especially during Black History Month in February, the Alzheimer’s Association is spreading awareness about the impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia on Black and African Americans because: 1 2 3 Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as older white Americans. Black Americans may be more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, when individuals are more cognitively and physically impaired – and therefore, are in need of more medical care. Despite their increased risk, Black Americans are underrepresented in clinical trials, making up 5% or less of all trial participants. While older Black Americans are at a higher risk for developing Alzheimer's or another dementia, research hasn't yet identified a definitive cause. Variations in health, lifestyle and socioeconomic risk factors likely account for most of the differences in risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias by race. Chronic health conditions associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other dementias, including cardiovascular disease and diabetes, also disproportionately affect Black Americans. Some studies indicate that after correcting for overall health and socioeconomic status, these differences disappear. EARLY DETECTION AND DIAGNOSIS In addition to Black Americans being more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease, there is also evidence that missed diagnoses of Alzheimer’s and other dementias are more common among older Black Americans than among older whites. Missed or delayed diagnoses mean that Black Americans are not getting treatments when they are most likely to be effective at improving quality of life. Early detection and diagnosis can allow for earlier use of available treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help maintain independence longer. Delays in diagnosis also mean that Black Americans with Alzheimer’s and other dementias may miss the opportunity to make important legal, financial and care plans while they are still capable, as well as making their preferences known to their families. However, we do know that Black and African Americans often face many barriers in the healthcare 15
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