Racism Isn’t Just Stressful—It Could Be Tied to Alzheimer’s, Research Shows

Emerging research and patient stories highlight an elevated Alzheimer’s and dementia burden for Black Americans, shaped by social and environmental stressors rather than biology alone. Epidemiologists point to cumulative exposure: pollution that accelerates brain changes, chronic stress from discrimination, hypertension, obesity, food insecurity, and limited access to quality care. The African American Dementia and Aging Project (AADAPt) at OHSU explores risk, prevention, and earlier diagnosis—while calling out decades of under-representation in studies. Experts emphasize “cognitive reserve” built through education, social connection, and community support as buffers that can delay decline. The broader takeaway: closing dementia gaps demands systemic fixes—cleaner air, equitable healthcare access, safer neighborhoods, and inclusive research—alongside individual prevention. Only structural investments matched with culturally competent care will bend the curve on Alzheimer’s disparities.

Advertisements

Source: BET