The Relationship between dementias and zip codes in the US: The African American community and higher rate of Alzheimer’s disease

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundNot many people will connect the dementia rate with the person’s ZIP Code, but unfortunately, our ZIP Code significantly influences our overall health, including dementia. Many Black Americans experience a higher rate of Alzheimer’s and vascular dementia compared to whites, and the disproportionate impact is devastating, especially for black women. The risk of developing Alzheimer’s is two to three times higher for Black Americans—who are diagnosed at later stages—than for the general population.MethodThrough literature search, small group discussion with African American community members and faith‐based community leaders, education about relationship between dementia and zip codes was addressed.ResultsFaith‐based communities can play a significant role in improving chronic conditions, awareness, and early detection, especially in the African American patient population.ConclusionAs the U.S. population ages and communities of color become a higher proportion of the older population, a higher percentage of those with Alzheimer’s disease will be people of color. It is not entirely clear why Black Americans are at a higher risk. Still, current research suggests that the increase may be related to three factors: Higher rate of Chronic conditions ‐ the connection between vascular conditions and dementia; Delayed diagnosis ‐ Black participants in Alzheimer’s disease research studies were 35% less likely to be diagnosed than white participants and Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) ‐ there is a link between SDOH and dementia. Unfortunately, in the USA, our zip code is more important than our genetic code.