Vascular cognitive disorders and dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease, are more common in certain racial and ethnic groups due to a mix of health, lifestyle, and social factors. Factors such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases contribute to the heightened risk within these groups, particularly among African Americans and Hispanic populations, who face higher incidences of these conditions compared to their White counterparts, partly due to differences in lifestyle, access to healthy food, and healthcare.
Obesity, a critical risk factor for vascular issues, is alarmingly prevalent in certain regions, with rates exceeding 50% in places like the U.S., Europe, and urban areas such as Brooklyn, New York. This condition is linked to a considerable proportion of global deaths from diseases like heart disease, stroke, and diabetes, which also play a role in cognitive decline and various forms of dementia. The burden of vascular risk factors is substantial, especially in minority communities where diseases often reach advanced stages by the time of diagnosis, frequently in emergency contexts.
Stress from facing discrimination and unfair treatment further exacerbates vascular risk among these populations. Such stressors, compounded by challenges related to aging, job security, healthcare access, and mental health can also impact brain health, making the situation worse for minority groups. These stressors can affect how well people think, remember things, and make decisions over time.
Research underscores that modifiable vascular risk factors can accelerate cognitive aging and the progression of Alzheimer’s disease by impacting brain blood vessels. Imaging studies have shown that the burden of small vessel disease in the brain is associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and the worsening of symptoms, with notable variations across different racial and ethnic groups.
To bridge these disparities, a comprehensive approach is needed, focusing on culturally competent healthcare, inclusive research efforts, and community-based initiatives aimed at education, prevention, and early intervention. Such strategies are crucial for moving towards a more equitable healthcare system that effectively addresses the needs of all individuals affected by vascular cognitive disorders and dementia.
Sources: Perspectives on ethnic and racial disparities in Alzheimer’s disease and related
dementias: Update and areas of immediate need, G.M. Babulal et al. / Alzheimer’s & Dementia –
(2018)
