Race impacts Alzheimer’s disease treatment and care, report indicates

PHOENIX — A report released by the Alzheimer’s Association indicates discrimination is a barrier for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care in America.

The annual report researches the burden of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia on individuals, caregivers and the nation’s health care system.

This year’s Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report included a special study called – Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer’s in America.

It looked at the perspectives and experiences of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native and white Americans in regard to Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care.

Half of Black Americans reported experiencing healthcare discrimination, while 42% of Native Americans, 34% of Asian Americans and 33% of Hispanic Americans reported discrimination while seeking healthcare.

“The key driver of this is that communities of color feel that providers or staff do not listen to what they are saying because of their race, color, or ethnicity,” Kinsey McManus, program director for the Alzheimer’s Association in Arizona, told KTAR News 92.3 FM.

In addition, more than half of non-white caregivers say they have faced discrimination when trying to navigate healthcare for their loved one with dementia. The report shows only one in five white caregivers report discrimination.

McManus believes cultural competence education and diverse staff would help discrimination concerns dramatically, adding staff and caregivers should be able to overcome language barriers.

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