The number of people worldwide with dementia is projected to exceed 150 million by 2050, with modifiable risk factors such as hypertension, high body mass index, diabetes, and smoking playing a significant role. However, a recent study conducted in the United Kingdom suggests that these risk factors have a greater impact on dementia risk in people of color compared to white individuals. The study analyzed data from 865,674 individuals aged 65 and over in England and found that certain risk factors had a higher impact on individuals of specific ethnicities. For example, South Asian individuals had a higher risk of dementia associated with hypertension, obesity, diabetes, low HDL cholesterol, and sleep disorders, while hypertension was identified as a significant risk factor in Black individuals. These findings highlight the need for targeted efforts in dementia prevention and management within diverse populations.
Dementia is not an inevitable consequence of aging, but rather a decline in memory, thinking, and decision-making abilities that significantly interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia, accounts for 60% to 70% of cases. Previous research has shown that dementia is more prevalent in certain ethnicities, with higher rates observed in Black and Hispanic individuals compared to white individuals in the United States. However, the reasons for these disparities were not explained.
The recent study examined the impact of risk factors on dementia in diverse ethnic groups using data from the CALIBER database, which contains anonymized electronic health records of 50 million people in the U.K. After adjusting for variables such as age, sex, and deprivation, the researchers found that certain risk factors had a greater impact on individuals of specific ethnicities. For example, compared to white individuals, South Asian individuals had a higher risk of dementia associated with hypertension, obesity, diabetes, low HDL cholesterol, and sleep disorders. In Black individuals, hypertension was identified as a significant risk factor.
These findings align with previous research showing higher rates of cardiovascular disease in Black and South Asian populations. The study emphasizes the need for targeted efforts in dementia prevention and management within diverse populations. Factors such as diet, sleep, and physical and mental exercise are crucial for safeguarding against dementia.
The increased risk of dementia in older Black individuals compared to older white individuals can be attributed to a combination of factors, including racism, structural inequality, and socioeconomic barriers to high-quality healthcare. While the study does not delve into specific social factors or obstacles faced by ethnic minorities that may elevate their risk of dementia, it indirectly suggests that risk factors more prevalent in these groups may be linked to social determinants like healthcare access, lifestyle, and cultural differences.
In conclusion, a recent study conducted in the United Kingdom suggests that modifiable risk factors have a greater impact on dementia risk in people of color compared to white individuals. The study found that certain risk factors, such as hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, had a higher impact on individuals of specific ethnicities. These findings highlight the need for targeted efforts in dementia prevention and management within diverse populations, taking into account ethnicity and risk factor profiles. Factors such as diet, sleep, and physical and mental exercise play a crucial role in safeguarding against dementia. The study indirectly suggests that social determinants may contribute to the increased risk of dementia in ethnic minority populations.