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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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