Recent research has shed light on the disproportionate risk of dementia faced by Black Americans, who are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia compared to their white counterparts. Experts have identified several key factors contributing to this disparity.
Systemic racism plays a significant role, with historical practices like residential segregation and redlining exposing Black communities to higher levels of air pollution and fewer educational opportunities. These factors increase the risk of developing dementia. Individual experiences of racism and discrimination can also lead to faster brain aging, as coping with such stressors requires significant mental energy.
Socioeconomic factors, including lower income and living in disadvantaged neighborhoods, are linked to increased brain aging and memory impairments. Anthony Longoria, a researcher at the University of Texas Southwestern, found that poorer access to neighborhood resources was associated with lower cognitive scores in Black and Hispanic individuals.
Health-related issues also contribute to the higher dementia risk. Black Americans are more likely to have chronic health conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes, which can increase dementia risk when left untreated. Limited access to quality healthcare and experiences of discrimination in medical settings further exacerbate the problem.
Food insecurity and limited access to healthy foods in many Black neighborhoods can accelerate cognitive decline. Genetic factors may also play a role, with Black Americans more likely to carry certain genes associated with Alzheimer’s risk.
Experts emphasize the need for more inclusive research to better understand and address these disparities. As Renã A.S. Robinson from Vanderbilt University notes, “Inclusion of diverse groups in basic science research and clinical trials of Alzheimer’s disease is a critical first step to helping reduce and eliminate health disparities.”
See “5 Reasons Black Americans Have Higher Dementia Risk” (February 5, 2024)
