Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia, accounting for 50-70% of all dementia cases worldwide. It develops differently in each individual and can go undetected for year, until late life. However, current trends are showing us that Americans are getting diagnosed younger and younger, which not only impacts the cost of the disease, but the caregiver burden and patient quality of life.
The Alzheimer’s Association recently published the 2021 Facts & Figures Report and the numbers may shock you. In Kansas alone, there are 55,000 individuals living with AD. And this number is expected to increase by over 10,000 by the year 2025. Nationwide, there are over 6.1 million individuals living with AD and the number continues to grow. By the year 2060, it is estimated that the prevalence of AD will more than double. Unfortunately, the death rate of AD patients increased approximately 16% during the covid-19 pandemic; an unprecedented jump that some medical professionals attribute to the social isolation, depression and agitation caused by the pandemic.
The Alzheimer’s Association Report – Graph increase of Alzheimer by 2060
Alzheimer’s disease, like many health conditions, does not affect all races and ethnicities equally. Native Americans, Latino Americans, and African Americans are all at an increased risk for developing the disease, compared with Caucasian and Asian Americans. Some of this increased risk can be attributed to genetics and cultural differences. But other factors are also at play. While they have a higher predisposition to develop AD, Latinos, Native Americans, and African Americans are less likely to seek medical treatment. Language barriers, cultural norms, and fear of discrimination have all been reported as perceived barriers to accessing care.
LEAP! Book Graph – Hispanic/African American/Caucasian Comparison of having Alzheimer
According to the 2021 Alzheimer’s Disease fact and figures reported by the Alzheimer Association more than 1/3 of Black Americans (36%), nearly 1/5 of Hispanic Americans (18%), and Asian Americans (19%), believe discrimination may be a barrier to receiving Alzheimer’s care. Some medical facilities are making efforts to close the gap and decrease health disparities by ensuring cultural and racial representation among their staff and resources. This is imperative if to improve both access to and quality of care for people of all backgrounds. An overwhelming majority of non-white Americans say it is important for Alzheimer’s and dementia care providers to understand their own personal experiences and ethnic or racial background.
Other individual differences play a role in the care and treatment of AD. Language barriers may pose a barrier to accessing and receiving treatment for some. Traditional cultural diets may pose a barrier to adopting healthy nutrition habits (thus increasing the risk for AD). And not all individuals or groups value exercise equally, which can lead to increased risk for AD, as well as other chronic health conditions. It is vital that medical institutions understand these differences and adapt resources to the needs of diverse populations.
While these statistics are sobering, there is HOPE! Through healthy lifestyle adjustments, you can reduce your risk for AD. Research shows us that genetics and cultural differences are only part of the equation. Six key lifestyle behaviors have been identified that reduce personal risk for AD. And these behaviors not only reduce your risk for AD, but for numerous other health conditions as well (Type II diabetes, CVD, metabolic syndrome, and more). Adopting healthy lifestyle behaviors not only impacts YOU but your family…and maybe even your community as a whole.
So what should you do with this information? Put it into action! We all have a responsibility to look out for our own health, and the health of our communities. Maybe you can translate materials for your local doctors’ office or hospital. Maybe you can help drive elderly neighbors to their medical or social appointments. Perhaps you can start a walking group or create healthy meal ideas specific to your own culture that doctors can give to patients. Maybe you can simply start a healthy meal night with your own family. The possibilities are endless…and the impact is profound.
Our mission at LEAP! @ ESU is to empower people of all backgrounds to reduce their own personal risk for AD through simple, everyday strategies. We offer bilingual workshops and resources for groups of any size. If you would like to learn more about hosting a FREE brain health workshop for your business, school, organization, or family, contact us today! eblocker@emporia.edu