April is National Minority Health Month, a time to raise awareness of the importance of improving the health outcomes of our diverse communities and to reduce health disparities. As one of the most diverse states in the nation and home to more seniors than any other state, Alzheimer’s is now the second leading cause of death in California for adults and is expected to double by 2040.
LACMA is sharing important information and resources (links and downloadable graphics below) with our physician community so we can be prepared and empowered to #TakeOnALZ. Knowing the signs, symptoms and risk factors of Alzheimer’s Disease will help make a positive difference for you and your loved ones–early screening has never been more important.
Did you know:
Most people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are 65 or older, but signs can start earlier in your adult life, and women and communities of color are at higher risk. (link)
Black and Latino patients are less likely to be correctly diagnosed in a timely manner. (link)
Approximately 13% of Hispanics who are 65 or older have Alzheimer's or another dementia. (link)
Older Black/African Americans are 2x more likely to develop Alzheimer’s Disease and Latinos are 1.5x more likely. (link)
Almost half (46%) of Asian Americans say that they are concerned about developing Alzheimer's or dementia, but also 82% know little or are not familiar with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), which can be an early stage of Alzheimer’s. (link)
For Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders, a recent study by Brigham Young University found that 25% of Pacific Islanders had the genetic marker for Alzheimer’s. (link) Pacific Islanders are also at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease with the prevalence of obesity and diabetes in PI communities. (link)
People with Down syndrome also have an increased risk of developing AD – with 30% of those between 50 and 59 years affected and 50% of those older than 60 affected. (link)