Overcoming Disparities in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Background: Deaths due to Alzheimer’s have been increasing at an exponential rate for the last 24 years, with an astounding 145% increase between the years 2000-2024. Early detection is key to slowing down the rate of decline. Unfortunately, Latino and African American individuals delay seeking care, which predisposes them to worse outcomes. To date, socioeconomic limitations are the main factors leading to delayed care in Latino and African American communities. A service project was developed with the aim of addressing limitations that result in delays to seeking care within Latino and African American communities. Methods: A systematic review of available literature, followed by stake holder interviews was performed to gauge community need. Through stake holder collaboration data was compiled and a brochure was generated. Results: African American and Hispanic communities delay seeking care which predisposes them to worse outcomes. Because of this, the rate of Alzheimer’s in these communities is significantly higher than their white counterparts. Socioeconomic factors were identified by the community as reasons for delaying seeking care. Finally, deaths due to Alzheimer’s are often suppressed in census databases, making it difficult to accurately measure deaths due to the disease. Conclusion: Socioeconomic disparities seem to play a major role in the increase of deaths due to Alzheimer’s disease. A service project aimed at bridging the current gap in information was designed. Resources were filtered and compiled to improve disease literacy, as well as to provide financial, clinical, and psychological resources. A brochure was generated with this information.