Black people are significantly more likely to develop dementia than white people, a study suggests.
Diagnosed cases were 28 per cent higher in black men than white men, and 25 per cent higher in black women than white women.
But people from Asian backgrounds appear to be slightly protected, according to the research on more than 2.5 million people.
Incidence of dementia was 18 per cent lower in Asian women and 12 per cent lower in Asian men compared to white women and men.
Scientists remain baffled as to what may be the behind the risk but believe genes and social environment may play a role.
Diagnosed cases were 28 per cent higher in black men than white men, and 25 per cent higher in black women than white women
Scientists at University College London and King’s College London conducted the eight year-long study.
It is the first research to compare incidence of dementia diagnosis by ethnicity in any nationally representative sample.
The team, led by Dr Claudia Cooper, published their findings in the journal Clinical Epidemiology.
Data on 2,511,681 people – including 66,000 who had a dementia diagnosis – was analysed.
Diagnosis rates between the different ethnic groups were also compared to what researchers expected them to be.
Despite higher diagnosis rates, black men with dementia were still less likely to receive a diagnosis compared with white men.
But Dr Cooper and colleagues also concluded diagnosis rates between black and white women were broadly comparable.
Dr Tra My Pham, one of the authors, said it was ‘concerning’ that black people are more at risk of dementia but less likely to receive a diagnosis.
Experts remain unsure as to why certain ethnic groups face a higher risk of going on to develop dementia – an umbrella term for a range of progressive brain disorders.
But theories revolve around varying levels of education, wealth, smoking, exercise and mental health – all dementia risk factors.
Dr Cooper also warned black people have less treatment for high blood pressure in middle age, strongly linked to developing dementia.
She told The Times: ‘They [black people] have increased rates of vascular illnesses which are associated with dementia.
‘Many of the risk factors, such as smoking and depression, are associated with levels of deprivation.
‘And people from black and minority ethnic groups are more likely to be living in more deprived areas.’
Other studies have shown South Asian people may have a lower genetic risk, which may explain the lower rates of diagnosis among this group in the study.
While evidence exists that black people are more likely to carry the APOE gene, commonly associated with dementia.
Dr Cooper added: ‘Rates of timely diagnosis in the UK have been improving, but it appears that not all groups of society are benefiting equally.
‘It’s important that messages that dementia is best diagnosed early are tailored to different groups.
‘We’ve previously found that people’s cultural background can influence how willing or unwilling they are to seek help.’
Dr Alison Evans, head of policy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, said: ‘The report suggests that black men and women in the UK may face the combined impact of a greater likelihood of developing dementia.
‘We must continue to support research into the factors that underlie differences in dementia risk between different ethnic groups.’
WHAT IS DEMENTIA? THE KILLER DISEASE THAT ROBS SUFFERERS OF THEIR MEMORIES
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological disorders
A GLOBAL CONCERN
Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders, that is, conditions affecting the brain.
There are many different types of dementia, of which Alzheimer’s disease is the most common.
Some people may have a combination of types of dementia.
Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience their dementia in their own unique way.
Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age.
HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED?
The Alzheimer’s Society reports there are more than 850,000 people living with dementia in the UK today, of which more than 500,000 have Alzheimer’s.
It is estimated that the number of people living with dementia in the UK by 2025 will rise to over 1 million.
In the US, it’s estimated there are 5.5 million Alzheimer’s sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years.
As a person’s age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia.
Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed.
IS THERE A CURE?
Currently there is no cure for dementia.
But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted the more effective treatments are.
Source: Dementia UK