Alzheimer's in African Americans: Are You at Risk? What you need to know

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, older black Americans are twice as likely They are more likely to have Alzheimer’s disease or cognitive impairment than their white counterparts, but are 35% less likely to be diagnosed at an early stage.^1,3 The exact reason why African Americans are at higher risk is unknown, but it may be related to the higher rates of heart disease present in the black community.¹ There is research that links high blood pressure and high cholesterol as possible risk factors for Alzheimer’s.²

Are you at risk?

Black patients are more likely to have more risk factors, worse symptoms, and more severe disease.³ Research shows that there are many risk factors for Alzheimer’s. Risk factors associated with Alzheimer’s include factors that we can control and some that we cannot control. Click Here To learn more about the signs and risk factors for early Alzheimer’s disease.

age

Increasing age is the most notable risk factor. After the age of 65, this risk increases significantly every 5 years.^4,5 About 5% of Alzheimer’s patients are under the age of 65 and may be affected by early-onset Alzheimer’s around the age of 40.⁴

family history

Individuals who have a family member (parent or sibling) with the disease are at higher risk.^4,5 Your risk is even higher if more than one member in your family suffers from the disease.^4,5 Researchers have also identified specific genes that are associated with the development of the disease.^4,5 Genetic counseling may be an option for patients with a strong family history of Alzheimer’s.⁴

preventable risk factors

There are some risk factors that can be prevented. You can make conscious efforts to help reduce your risk of developing Alzheimer’s.⁵

• Avoid head injury. Because cognitive impairment can develop as a result of physical damage or trauma to the brain, be safe by preventing falls and wearing a head covering or protection when participating in potentially dangerous activities.
• Choose heart-healthy options. Research shows that up to 80% People who had Alzheimer’s had heart disease. Poor heart health, including the presence of heart disease, may be related to poor brain health. If you have conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or if you have had a stroke, work closely with your healthcare provider to monitor and manage these conditions.
• Take care of yourself. Exercise, eat healthy and avoid excessive consumption of harmful substances such as alcohol and tobacco.

fact vs myth

Myth: Memory problems are common and experienced by most older people.
Fact: While it is normal to occasionally forget or lose things, memory problems such as poor judgment and difficulty making decisions, not keeping track of dates, and forgetting familiar people are not.⁶ Many Black patients delay seeking medical attention for memory concerns or changes because they believe what they are experiencing is normal.³

Myth: Alzheimer’s only affects older people. If I am young then I should not be worried.
Fact: Older people are more prone to Alzheimer’s, although early-onset Alzheimer’s, although rare, usually affects people between the ages of 30-60.⁶

Myth: Alzheimer’s cannot be cured.
Fact: Although there is no definitive cure for Alzheimer’s, there are treatment options that can help treat the symptoms.⁶ Clinical trials help researchers continue to evaluate potential treatment options.^6,7

Importance of clinical trial participation

Diversity is important in clinical trials.⁷ Race and ethnicity may play a role in how a person with Alzheimer’s disease responds to treatment. Unfortunately, there is a lack of trust for clinical research and trial participation among Black Americans.¹ This is largely due to a history of medical bias and discrimination against black Americans.¹ The Alzheimer’s Association recognizes the importance of clinical trials in the management and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease and the need for people in the Black community to participate in these trials.²

To learn more about Alzheimer’s disease and care partner support resources, visit Novo Nordisk’s Alzheimer’s disease webpage,

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This article is sponsored by Novo Nordisk.

Reference:

1. Alzheimer’s Association – Black Americans and Alzheimer’s
2. African Americans and Alzheimer’s disease: the silent epidemic
3. NIH National Institute on Aging – Data shows racial disparity in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis among black and white research study participants
4. NHS – Alzheimer’s disease
5. Alzheimer’s Association – Causes and Risk Factors of Alzheimer’s Disease
6. NIH National Institute on Aging – 11 Myths About Alzheimer’s Disease
7. Alzheimer’s Clinical Trials

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