Blacks and Hispanics at Increased Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease

A new study finds that the rate of Alzheimer’s disease is higher among minority groups than it is in other demographics.

According to the report, entitled “2010 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures”, African-Americans and Hispanics are particularly vulnerable to the disease as they age.

The report states that African-Americans are almost 2 times as likely as whites to develop the condition, and are also at increased risk of developing other forms of dementia.

Hispanics were found to be 1.2 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than whites.

The authors of the report cite no noted genetic factors at play here, meaning that the reason for increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease in certain minorities is unknown.

One possible theory is that the risk of other health problems such as diabetes and heart disease is also higher for blacks and hispanics, a fact that could be to blame for increased Alzheimer’s risk.

From the report: “A growing body of evidence suggests that the health of the brain — one of the body’s most highly vascular organs — is closely linked to the overall health of the heart and blood vessels.”