Minorities at Greater Risk for Dementia, Alzheimer’s Disease

By Denise Reynolds

A new report from the Alzheimer’s Association has found that African Americans and Hispanic Americans have a greater likelihood of developing Alzheimer’s disease than whites.  The reason is most likely related to chronic conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, that are common health problems in the minority population.

The “2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures” shows that African Americans are more than two times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s.  Hispanics are at a one and a half time higher risk.

Dr. Majid Fotuhi from Sinai Hospital says that keeping blood pressure and blood sugar in control and managing weight through a healthy diet and daily physical activity are also beneficial for the brain.  “One of the worst things for the brain with aging is atherosclerosis, so high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, sedentary lifestyle – they damage the brain,” he said.

Other factors involved are cultural attitudes, lack of knowledge of early symptoms, and the lack of awareness of community health resources which can deter education and prevention measures.  Adequate care planning and other support structures may also be unavailable in some disadvantaged areas.

Those on federal healthcare programs can also expect to pay more for Alzheimer’s care.  The report found that Medicare costs for Alzheimer’s patients are almost three times higher than for other older people and Medicaid costs are almost nine times higher.

The report has also found that as longevity increases for Americans, so do the overall chances of having Alzheimer’s.  About 5.3 million people in the US are living with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia and this year 500,000 are expected to be diagnosed.

In 2006, Alzheimer’s was the seventh leading cause of death in the United States, and the fifth leading cause of death among those 65 and older.