Dementia Among African American Women Over 60

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New York University *

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Nursing

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Nov 24, 2024

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1 Dementia Among African American Women Over 60: A Public Health Challenge Student’s Name Institution Course Instructor Date

2 Dementia Among African American Women Over 60: A Public Health Challenge Dementia, which is characterized by significant cognitive decline that hampers daily activities, is a substantial concern within the realm of public health. The issue presents notable challenges inside the United States, namely among African American women aged 60 and above. The objective of this essay is to provide a comprehensive examination of dementia research within the specified group. The analysis of the public health issue, delineation of the impacted population, examination of epidemiological data, exploration of risk factors via the lens of the social ecology model, consideration of social determinants, acknowledgment of limitations in the study, and proposal of novel research methodologies are all imperative. The Problem of Public Health Dementia is characterized by a significant cognitive impairment that hinders daily functioning. Brewster et al. (2020) reported that Alzheimer's disease is the most prevalent kind. Given its elevated frequency, considerable influence on individuals, caregivers, and healthcare systems, as well as its capacity to worsen health inequalities, this disorder presents a noteworthy public health issue. The Affected Population African American women aged 60 years and above exhibit a heightened vulnerability to dementia. This particular scenario warrants special attention due to the complex interaction between age, gender, and ethnicity, leading to an increased susceptibility within this specific demographic as compared to other groups. Epidemiology The existing amount of epidemiological research concerning dementia among African American women aged 60 and above is continuously expanding, highlighting the urgent significance of this public health concern. Dementia has the capacity to affect individuals

3 from many ethnic and cultural origins. However, empirical research reveals that African Americans have a disproportionate prevalence of this health problem. Alexander et al. (2022) found that the Alzheimer's Association reports a higher prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and other dementia-related disorders in White seniors than African American seniors. Risk Factors The identification of dementia risk factors among African American women necessitates a comprehensive strategy that considers the impacts across all levels of the social ecology model. According to Brewster et al. (2020), there exist independent risk factors such as genetic vulnerability, diabetes, hypertension, and inadequate levels of education. The intricacy of this circumstance is heightened by two interpersonal factors: isolation and the stress associated with caring for loved ones. The risk is also amplified by systemic elements, including the institutionalization of racism and social injustice, as well as issues at the community level, such as socioeconomic disparities and limited healthcare accessibility. The intricate risk factors underscore the significance of adopting a comprehensive strategy to the treatment of dementia in this particular population. Specific Factors There may be a genetic component to the high rate of dementia among African Americans, since some research has suggested that specific genetic traits may be linked (Akinyemi et al., 2022). The prevalence of diabetes and hypertension in this group further increases the danger of vascular dementia. Another contributor is lower educational achievement, which is linked to inequalities in access to good schools. Emotional Factors Social isolation is a severe issue since it has been related to dementia and other kinds of cognitive decline. The quantity of work necessary may also cause stress and burnout for family caregivers, who are mainly African American women (Epps et al., 2019).

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4 Community Factors The significance of socioeconomic situation is shown by the fact that having less access to healthcare and a lower income can cause delays in diagnosis and treatment. Risk may be further increased by the local context, which is characterized by disparities in access to resources and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle (Wright et al., 2021). Two significant elements are entrenched prejudice and systemic racism. When systematic racism causes healthcare imbalances that restrict access to high-quality treatment and education, the chance of developing dementia rises. Socioeconomic position affects population health, access to healthcare, and individual lifestyle choices. It frequently has economic disparity attached to it. Societal Factors The public health crisis of dementia among African American women over 60 requires examination of socioeconomic factors such as institutional racism, healthcare access, educational possibilities, and economic inequality. These variables underpin risk factors across the whole social ecology model and add up to a disproportionately high prevalence of dementia in this group. Based on their study of Black dementia caregivers, Alexander et al. (2022) found that patients often face difficulties getting the care they need due to systemic prejudice in the healthcare system. These preconceived notions may lead to incorrect or delayed diagnosis and treatment, compounding the problems African American women already experience. Epps and Williams (2020) add that African American seniors with dementia benefit greatly from religious activities. It is crucial to take into account social variables while treating dementia, as religious and cultural elements have a substantial effect on the coping strategies and support networks accessible to this group. Limitations

5 African American women have a number of obstacles that prevent them from fully grasping the nature of dementia. Problems in identifying risk factors across racial and ethnic groups, incorrect diagnosis, and inadequate interpretation all contribute to a lack of representation in clinical research. To fill in these blanks, additional research is required. Future Plans Longitudinal studies, culturally relevant therapies, and policy reforms will need to be prioritized in future research if we are to get a full understanding of and effectively manage the public health crisis that is dementia among African American women over the age of 60. Insight into the course of the illness and risk factors in this group can be gained by longitudinal research (Brewster et al., 2020). The specific cultural and socioeconomic circumstances of African American women should be taken into account while designing and evaluating culturally appropriate interventions. Supporting laws that reduce health care inequalities and encourage early diagnosis and treatment is also crucial. In conclusion, a range of factors, some of which are more significantly impacted by the social ecology model than others, influence the public health burden of dementia among African American women aged 60 and older. To minimize dementia's effects on this vulnerable demographic, more study, awareness of the significance of social factors and structural biases, and specialized therapies are required. We require a broad approach that combines healthcare, social assistance, and education to address this pressing public health issue.

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7 References Akinyemi, R. O., Yaria, J., Ojagbemi, A., Guerchet, M., Okubadejo, N., Njamnshi, A. K., ... & African Dementia Consortium (AfDC). (2022). Dementia in Africa: Current evidence, knowledge gaps, and future directions. Alzheimer's & Dementia , 18 (4), 790-809. https://doi.org/10.1002/alz.12432 Alexander, K., Oliver, S., Bennett, S. G., Henry, J., Hepburn, K., Clevenger, C., & Epps, F. (2022). “Falling between the cracks”: Experiences of Black dementia caregivers navigating US health systems. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society , 70 (2), 592- 600. https://doi.org/10.1111/jgs.17636 Brewster, K., Wall, M., Stein, A., Zilcha-Mano, S., & Rutherford, B. R. (2020). Age-related hearing loss, late-life depression, and risk for incident dementia in older adults. The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry , 28 (4), S90-S93. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2020.01.118 Epps, F., & Williams, I. C. (2020). The importance of religiosity to the well-being of African American older adults living with dementia. Journal of Applied Gerontology , 39 (5), 509-518. https://doi.org/10.1177/0733464818820773 Epps, F., Rose, K. M., & Lopez, R. P. (2019). Who's your family?: African American caregivers of older adults with dementia. Research in Gerontological Nursing , 12 (1), 20-26. https://doi.org/10.3928/19404921-20181212-04 Wright, C. B., DeRosa, J. T., Moon, M. P., Strobino, K., DeCarli, C., Cheung, Y. K., ... & Sacco, R. L. (2021). Race/ethnic disparities in mild cognitive impairment and dementia: The Northern Manhattan Study. Journal of Alzheimer's disease , 80 (3), 1129-1138. https://doi.org/10.3233/JAD-201370

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