Blacks, Hispanics and Alzheimer's disease

Darryl Owens:

The statistics are staggering: Alzheimer's disease affects more than 4.5 million Americans of every race, gender and culture. As many as 16 million Americans could have the disease by 2050. Today over 15,000 in the Louisville area are affected.

The number of African-Americans entering the age of Alzheimer risk (age 65 or older) is expected to more than double to 6.9 million by 2030. Age-specific prevalence of dementia has been found to be at least 14 percent higher in African-Americans.

African-Americans may also be at higher risk for diabetes, a risk factor for Alzheimer's and vascular dementia. High blood pressure is more common among African Americans, and a person with high blood pressure or high cholesterol may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's.

This disease also disproportionately hits our Hispanic population: The number of Hispanic elders suffering from Alzheimer's and related dementias could increase more than six-fold by 2050.

More African Americans are afflicted with Alzheimer's disease than are whites, at rates from 14% to 100% higher

Alzheimer's specialists reach out to blacks, Latinos

Blacks more prone to Alzheimer's

Alzheimer's May Hit Minorities Especially Hard

Study says blacks, Hispanics more likely to get Alzheimer's

Blacks and Hispanic Americans Face Greater Risk of Alzheimer's

Black losses from Alzheimer's are too great

Blacks More Prone to Alzheimer's Disease

New Alzheimer's Association Report Predicts Disease Will Soar 600 Percent Among Hispanics by 2050

Hispanics at Higher Risk for Alzheimer's Disease

Latino's Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's

US Latinos may develop Alzheimer's disease symptoms at earlier age