Racial Disparities: The High Dementia Risk for African Americans

Research shows that living in a disadvantaged neighborhood, long-term poverty, stress and being born in a state with high infant mortality all increase the risk for dementia in African Americans.

The High Risk of Dementia for African Americans By Esther Heerema, MSW African Americans face a higher risk of dementia than any other ethnic group in the United States. The Alzheimer's Association reports that their risk is approximately twice that of non-Latino whites and 65 percent higher than that of Asian Americans. Learn about some factors that may increase this risk. Ethnic Disparities: How Your Race Impacts Your Dementia Risk   Many conditions have been found to increase the risk of dementia, including diabetes, heart disease, an unhealthy diet, lack of physical activity and older age. Now, researchers have identified another factor in Alzheimer's and other kinds of dementia risk: our race. READ NOW Caregiving and Dementia Risk in Latinos   Historically, Latinos have been less likely to use formal care systems such as nursing homes or assisted living centers. Instead, multi-generational caring for one's older family members is more typical. Is this a choice or a lack of access to available resources? READ NOW Learn Which Blood Type Is Associated with a Higher Dementia Risk   Science has identified several risk factors for dementia including smoking, high blood pressure, genetics, diabetes and more. But a recent study suggests that your blood type may also influence your risk for cognitive problems, affecting memory, word-finding, personality, and more. READ NOW Statistics on Alzheimer's: Who Gets It?   Alzheimer's disease and related dementias affect more than 5 million Americans. One out of eight older adults has Alzheimer's disease — the sixth leading cause of death in the United States and the only top ten cause of death without an effective treatment or prevention. READ NOW Advertisement READ THESE NEXT Fun and Healthy: Dancing's Effect on Our Brains Babysitting Grandchildren May Ward Off Alzheimer's Smoking and Secondhand Smoke Increase Dementia Risk How Important Is Age as a Dementia Risk? Love and Marital Status May Affect Memory A DOTDASH BRAND You are receiving this newsletter because you subscribed to the Alzheimer's & Dementia newsletter. If you wish to unsubscribe, please click here 1500 Broadway, 6th Floor, New York, NY, 10036 © 2017 Verywell.com - All rights reserved. Privacy Policy.