What Are Some Of The Major Dementia Care Challenges In Minority Groups?
Dementia, a condition that typically affects thinking and memory later in life, can impact people from any background. However, even though there are several ways to treat and manage it, not everyone may have equal access to quality dementia care. People with dementia from minority backgrounds may face unique challenges related to diagnosis and treatment, and they may also experience more difficulty finding a culturally sensitive care provider. Resources like online therapy platforms may make it easier to find a suitable mental health professional.
Dementia explained
Dementia can be a common concern among older adults, and it’s estimated to affect around one-third of people over age 85.
It can be important to note that dementia isn’t a specific illness. It can be seen as a set of symptoms that may result from several illnesses affecting a person’s memory, communication, and thinking. Alzheimer’s disease tends to be the most common form, but there are others, too, like Lewy body dementia and vascular dementia.
These conditions are usually progressive, meaning that their symptoms often worsen over time. Some common signs of dementia include the following:
- Trouble reading, writing, or following conversations
- Trouble learning and remembering information
- Trouble making decisions and solving problems
- Trouble moving around
- A loss of interest in relationships and activities
- Changes in personality
- Symptoms of depression
In general, dementia is not a part of normal aging. While it can become more likely with age, it is not inevitable. According to the CDC, it may be possible to delay or prevent up to 40% of dementia cases.
Some common dementia risk factors include those listed below:
- Age
- Genetics
- High blood pressure
- Lack of exercise
- Social isolation
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol use
- Hearing loss
- Traumatic brain injuries
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is another possible risk factor. A person with MCI might have minor challenges with thinking or memory, but not to the extent of someone with dementia. MCI can sometimes progress to full dementia, but this doesn’t always happen. Some people with MCI will never develop dementia.
What is involved in managing dementia?
As of now, there isn’t a cure for dementia. That said, dementia can often be managed with proper treatment. The right care strategy can depend on the person, but it may involve the following interventions:
- Medications: Health care professionals may recommend various medications to treat certain types of dementia. These may improve symptoms and slow the progression of the illness.
- Therapy: Although dementia usually can’t be reversed, several therapies may be helpful for people with dementia. These may help people with memory loss preserve their mental abilities and important life skills.
- Ongoing support: Dementia can make it harder to function in daily life, but having support may help. People with dementia may be able to stay independent for a longer period of time with the help of professional or family caregivers.
Beyond these strategies, people with dementia may also benefit from lifestyle changes like regular exercise and improved nutrition. Combined, these care options may reduce patients’ symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Understanding dementia care challenges in minority groups
There can be a wide range of options for treating and managing dementia. However, dementia research has found that not everyone has equal access to these treatment options. Minority racial and ethnic groups may face differences in dementia diagnosis, treatment, and more. Let’s take a closer look at what the research says.
Dementia healthcare disparities may start as early as the diagnostic stage. In 2024, researchers from UC Davis and OHSU performed a systematic review of 71 studies from the years 2000 to 2022. They found that people with dementia from ethnic minority groups usually took longer to receive a diagnosis. People from Black and Hispanic backgrounds tended to be less likely to be referred for specialized cognitive testing. Meanwhile, older adults from Asian American backgrounds were typically less likely to be tested for cognitive impairment, which can lead to dementia.
Minorities may also face barriers due to a lack of knowledge of dementia. In a review from 2017, researchers analyzed existing data from 28 different studies. They found that among minority ethnic groups, dementia is often seen as a normal part of aging. They also found that mental health stigma—negative beliefs about people with mental illness—can lead to a sense of shame and denial in minority communities. These factors, combined with challenges navigating the healthcare system due to language barriers, may prevent people from seeking the care they deserve.
Finally, people from minority groups may have a hard time finding dementia caregivers who understand cultural and ethnic differences. For example, a recent report from the Alzheimer’s Association looked at the current state of dementia care for patients and caregivers. It found that only 48% of Black Americans, 59% of Hispanic Americans, 63% of Asian Americans, and 47% of Native Americans believe they can find culturally sensitive dementia care providers. A lack of cultural understanding may make it harder for minority patients to build relationships with their caregivers, and this may affect their care outcomes.
Getting support for dementia
Having the right mental health support may help people with dementia manage their symptoms and improve their well-being. For example, there is evidence showing that therapy may help dementia patients reduce symptoms of depression. However, minority groups may have a harder time getting that support.
Addressing these inequalities may take time and action from governments and health care providers. In the meantime, people with dementia may benefit from internet-based treatment options. Online therapy generally enables you to work with a therapist from the comfort of your home and change therapists for any reason, potentially making it easier to find a therapist who shares or understands your cultural background.
Studies show that online therapy can be as effective as in-person therapy at treating a range of mental health concerns, although more research may be needed on the efficacy of online therapy specifically for dementia. In 2023, researchers looked at health data on over 27,000 patients in the UK with a mood or anxiety disorder. They found that online therapy typically had similar effectiveness as face-to-face therapy, with shorter treatment times.
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