In a recent report from the Alzheimer’s Association, racial and ethnic attitudes and experiences were measured regarding Alzheimer’s and dementia care. Findings from two nationwide surveys of Asian, Black, Hispanic, Native, and white Alzheimer’s caregivers reveal how these groups feel about barriers in accessing dementia care. Key findings include:
- 50% of Black Americans, 42% of Native Americans, 34% of Asian Americans, and 33% of Hispanic Americans report having experienced discrimination when seeking health care;
- 92% of Native Americans, 89% of Blacks, 85% of Hispanics, and 84% of Asian Americans say it’s important for Alzheimer’s and dementia care providers to understand their ethnic or racial background and experiences. However, only 48% of Black and 47% of Native Americans feel confident there is access to culturally competent providers, and only 63% of Asian Americans and 59% of Hispanics feel confident;
- Among non-white caregivers, half or more say they have faced discrimination when navigating health care for their care recipient; and
- 62% of Black Americans believe medical research is biased against people of color, and only 53% of Black Americans trust a future cure for Alzheimer’s will be shared equally with people regardless of race, color, or ethnicity.
