Alzheimer's Association: Minorities at Greater Risk

A new report from the Alzheimer's Association revealed that African Americans and Hispanics are at an increased risk of developing the disease. African Americans are about twice as likely to develop Alzheimer's than whites, and Hispanics are about 1.5 times more likely.

The report notes there is no known genetic factor that accounts for these differences. However, health conditions such as high blood pressure, which are prevalent in African American and Hispanic communities, are known to increase Alzheimer's risk.

Interestingly, although African Americans and Hispanics have a higher Alzheimer's rate, they are less likely than whites to have a diagnosis.

The report also includes updated key facts about Alzheimer's disease, including the following:

• 5.3 million people in the United States have Alzheimer's disease
• Alzheimer's in the seventh leading cause of death in the U.S.
• $172 billion is spent annually on Alzheimer's-related costs
• There are 10.9 million unpaid caregivers tending to people with Alzheimer's
• Between 2000 and 2006, Alzheimer's disease deaths increased by 46.1 percent while other causes of death (including stroke, prostate cancer, breast cancer, heart disease and HIV) decreased

To view the report in its entirety, please click here.