Research has revealed that racial and ethnic minorities in the United States face significant disparities in dementia care, impacting their health outcomes profoundly. Individuals from marginalized communities often receive delayed diagnoses and inadequate treatment compared to their white counterparts. For instance, it takes 11% longer for Black Americans and 40% longer for Hispanic Americans to receive a diagnosis.
These disparities extend beyond diagnosis. Minoritized populations are less likely to be prescribed essential medications for dementia, with Black and Hispanic older adults facing higher rates of medication discontinuation. Additionally, they often end up receiving more aggressive, life-sustaining treatments during end-of-life care, limiting their quality of life in their final days.
“Our review provides timely and compelling evidence of disparities in health care quality and access for people living with dementia from minoritized populations,” said Ladson Hinton, the study’s first author. Hinton emphasizes that addressing these disparities is essential for advancing health equity.
The need for enhanced cultural competence among healthcare providers is urgent, with many non-white caregivers reporting discrimination in health settings. Half or more of Black and Hispanic caregivers have faced obstacles related to their race when seeking care for loved ones, suggesting a systemic issue that contributes to the ongoing challenges faced by these communities in accessing fair and effective health care.
See “Racial and ethnic disparities undermine dementia care in the US” (February 24, 2024)
