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How do ethnic and cultural beliefs affect the care and management of Alzheimer’s disease?
Cultural beliefs about Alzheimer’s disease vary by race and ethnicity and may affect the care and management of the disease. Research shows that more than half of black, Hispanic and Asian Americans are more likely to view memory deficits as a natural symptom of aging than to recognize that it could be an early sign of dementia. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment, ultimately worsening outcomes in the long run.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, blacks are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as whites, and more than six in 10 members of the black community know someone with dementia. Blacks may distrust medical institutions due to historical discrimination and culturally insensitive treatment by medical professionals, research shows.
Older Hispanics are about 1.5 times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s and other dementias than older whites. Because of the close family ties within the community, when older adults begin to show signs of dementia, it is often considered old age, and a close relative takes over care. Most Hispanics face cultural and language barriers, saying they need doctors to carefully consider and understand their ethnic background and experiences when they need care.
Asian Americans are less likely to develop Alzheimer’s than any other racial or ethnic group. In general, most Asian communities know very little about Alzheimer’s disease, and most Asian languages don’t have a word to describe the condition; so a translation might describe dementia as “crazy” or “a state of confusion.” Also, in most Asian cultures, respecting the elderly is a deeply ingrained custom and it is a person’s responsibility and obligation if a parent or close relative is ill, which means that most people won’t get professional help until absolutely no professional help. . needed, which again worsened the results.
Out of respect for age and wisdom, older adults in Native American communities are referred to as “elders.” Studies have shown that as many as one-third of Native American elders will develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Because seniors are highly respected, they are more likely to receive home care if they have cognitive decline. This caused delays in early detection and also worsened results. And, like Asian Americans, Native Americans do not have a specific word to describe dementia. A lack of understanding of the disease and various cultural beliefs surrounding memory loss hinders awareness of symptoms, a condition that is often mistaken for normal aging or the transition to the next world.
To better serve the diverse racial and ethnic communities affected by Alzheimer’s disease and improve access and quality of care, healthcare providers should develop culturally competent person-centered programs, such as family Education about the condition, working with community members to fill gaps in communication and hiring medical staff to reflect the ethnic communities they serve.
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