Recent research sheds light on the troubling racial disparities in Alzheimer’s disease prevalence among African Americans, particularly Black women, who suffer from dementia at nearly double the rate of their white counterparts. A study published in the Journals of Gerontology suggests that environmental pollution, specifically fine particulate matter known as PM2.5, plays a significant role in exacerbating these disparities.
According to Jiu-Chiuan Chen, MD, ScD, a professor at the Keck School of Medicine, older individuals living in areas with higher PM2.5 exposure may be more likely to develop dementia. This issue is particularly acute for African American communities, which are often located near polluting facilities that emit harmful particles. Chen advocates for increased awareness of environmental racism and calls for the enforcement of the Clean Air Act to protect vulnerable populations.
While the study highlights a clear association between air pollution and Alzheimer’s risk, it raises questions about why Black women appear to be more susceptible to the neurotoxic effects of these pollutants. As researchers aim to understand the underlying factors, including nutrition and brain structure, the urgency to address these health disparities becomes paramount.
This research emphasizes the intersection of environmental health and social equity, advocating for changes that could alleviate the burden on marginalized communities.
See “Environmental pollution may contribute to racial disparities in Alzheimer’s patients” (October 2, 2024)
