Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

At the Alzheimer's Association®, we believe that engaging diverse perspectives is critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care. Underrepresented and underserved communities are disproportionately impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia, and yet are less likely to be diagnosed; less likely to be recruited to participate in research; and less likely to have access to care and support services.

We seek to be inclusive of all communities impacted by Alzheimer's disease and dementia, their caregivers, and the communities in which they live.

Learn more about our national commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion by clicking here.

Black/African Americans - Older African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as older Whites, and less likely to receive a diagnosis. Find key facts here. 

Our chapter offers education programs tailored for the African American community through the advisement of community partners, volunteers, and planning committees. Through these pratnerships, we aim to empower the community with information, support, and resources. For more information about our committment to serving the Black/African American community and reducing health disparities, click here. 
 

• Informative videos:
  • Black Men and Dementia
  • Black Women and Dementia: Two Sides of the Story
  • Alzheimer's & Dementia Conversations: Changing the Face of Research

Hispanic/Latinos - Hispanic Americans are 1.5 times more likely than Whites to have dementia. Additionally, almost 6 in 10 (57%) believe that a significant loss of memory is a normal part of aging, and almost 9 out of 10 (85%) say it is important for Alzheimer’s and dementia care providers to understand their ethnic or racial background and experiences. For more information, please see our special  2021 report on Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America.

Our chapter offers culturally and linguistically appropriate support and education programs through the advisement of community partners, volunteers, and planning committees. For more information about our committment to serving the Hispanic/Latino community, click here. For more information on programming provided in Spanish, click here. 
 

• Informative videos:
  • ​ALZ Talks: El camino de mi familia con la enfermedad de Alzheimer
  • Conozca las 10 Señales De Advertencia
  • Lo Básico: La Pérdida de Memoria, La Demencia, y La Enfermedad de Alzheimer
  • Cuerpo y Cerebro Sano es Vida Sana: Consejos de las Últimas Investigaciones

Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) - More than half (56%) of Asian Americans believe that significant loss of memory or cognitive (such as thinking or learning) ability is a normal part of aging, and only 12% of Asian Americans report that they have no barriers to excellent Alzheimer's and dementia care. For more quick facts click here. 

The Alzheimer's Association recognizes the importance of understanding the unique cultural groups and significant diffrences within the AAPI community. We work collaboratively at the national and local level to provide culturally and linguistically competant resources. For more information on ways we work to strengethen community-based services, click here. 

• Informative videos:
  • Closing the Gaps in Dementia Care for Asian Americans
  • Interview with Dr. Carl V. Hill, Chief Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, Alzheimer's Association and Dr. Oanh Meyer, Associate Adjunct Professor and Principal Investigator, Diversity and Disparities Lab, Alzheimer's Disease Center, University of Califnoia - Davis.

LGBTQ+ Community - The LGBTQ community may face particular challenges related to Alzheimer's and dementia. These include finding inclusive and welcoming health care, less ability to call upon adult children for assistance, concerns about stigma and higher rates of poverty and social isolation. For the quick facts on LGBTQ Older Adults & Dementia, click here. 

The Alzheimer's Association has also partnered with SAGE to develop a great resource that outlines specific issues of concerns related to LGBTQ people with dementia, including stigma, family composition, poverty, and social isolation. Click here to download this resource.  

• Informative videos:
  • ​ALZPride: Voices of the LGBTQ Community
  • Basics of Alzheimer's & Dementia for LGBTQ Care Partners
  • Alzheimer's & Dementia Research in the LGBTQ Community Webinar​

Native Americans - Overall, Native Americans have less access to healthcare and health services and are less likely to be diagnosed creating unique challenges in addressing Alzheimer's and other dementias. In addition, Native American cultures hold great esteem for Elders and are more likely to take care of their Elders at home, and as many as 1 in 3 Native American Elders will develop Alzheimer's or some other form of dementia. 

• Helpful Resources:
  • ​Memory Loss and Alzheimer's Disease in Native People
  • The Healthy Brain Initiative (HBI) Road Map for Indian Country
  • International Association for Indigenous Aging: 10 Signs of Thinking or Memory Changes That Might Be Dementia
  • Dementia Presents Unique Challenges for Native Peoples
• Informative Videos: 
  • Addressing Alzheimer's in Indian Country Webinar
  • Interview with Dr. Carl Hill and Dr. Jordan Lewis on Successful Aging, Rural Community Health, Generativity as a Part of Healthy Aging, and Cultural Differences in Understanding Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
  • Interview with Dr. Carl Hill and Dr. J. Neil Henderson on His Research Areas Focus On Dementia and Diabetes Among American Indian People