Latino and Alzheimer’s: Social Determinants and Personal Factors Contributing to Disease Risk

Abstract

This chapter forecasts the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the Latino population of the United States and examines the role of place and social determinants for increasing or decreasing disease risk. Latinos are believed to be at much higher risk than non-Latino Whites, attributable in part to key social determinants such as very low income and educational attainment and high rates of medical conditions associated with inflammation especially excess diabetes rates and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Using complex statistical modeling and limited information available about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in the U.S. population, statistical trends covering increases in number of cases anticipated and care related costs over the next 4 decades were estimated. Results show that Latinos will have vastly increasing total volume of cases, surpassing African Americans, and accelerating care costs. Simulations were conducted to estimate disease rates if educational attainment and diabetes rates were equalized with non-Latino Whites, and reduction in total cases was significant. The chapter examines the role of “place” and embedded environmental factors that predispose lower SES Latinos to higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease over the life span, and the importance of addressing modifiable factors linked to brain health such as high school completion rates, exercise, diet, social engagement, and cognition. Research recommendations are presented.