Health Equity
Optimizing health for the U.S. population requires eliminating disparities and addressing social determinants of health. Focusing on communities at greatest risk and eliminating barriers to quality health care services will deliver significant results. Cognitive health is no exception. Alzheimer's and other dementias disproportionately affect Black Americans, Hispanic Americans, Asian Americans, American Indian/Alaska Natives, members of the LGBTQ+ community and women.

Black Americans are about two times more likely than White Americans to have Alzheimer's and other dementias.

Hispanic Americans are about one and one-half times more likely than White Americans to have Alzheimer's and other dementias.

By 2050, Asian Americans are projected to comprise nearly 8% of those aged 65 and older.

Native Americans have high rates of chronic conditions, including conditions that are suspected risk factors for Alzheimer's, such as obesity, diabetes and hypertension.

Almost two-thirds of those living with Alzheimer's are women.
More health equity resources from the Alzheimer's Association:
- Advancing Health Equity Issue Map (PDF).
- Health Equity in Dementia — Using a Public Health Lens to Advance Health Equity in Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias (online curriculum).
- Hispanic Americans and Alzheimer's.
- LGBTQ+ Community Resources.
- Native Americans and Alzheimer's.
- Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America (PDF).
- Women and Alzheimer's.
Several studies reported at the 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) demonstrated the impact of inequities on cognitive decline. Experiences of structural, interpersonal and institutional racism are associated with lower memory scores and worse cognition in midlife and old age, especially among Black adults. Socioeconomic deprivation, including neighborhood disadvantages and persistent low wages, is associated with higher dementia risk, lower cognitive performance and faster memory decline. Both summaries are available in English and Spanish.
What public health can do
- In addressing dementia, public health should identify underserved populations and those that experience a disproportionate burden of disease.
- Public health officials must learn about the impact of Alzheimer's and other forms of dementia on these populations.
- Public health must identify the local causes of these disparities and collaborate with community partners and stakeholders to develop initiatives to address them.
- Public health practitioners should be sure to identify culturally, linguistically and age appropriate strategies for people living with Alzheimer's and their caregivers.
- Public health should collaborate with or lead initiatives to ensure that government agencies that serve these populations are trained in appropriate and effective strategies.