Atlanta Health Alert: Study Reveals Dementia Risk Impacted by Your Race. Doctor Explains | State

Know this: “This new research continues to build on the importance of taking steps today to stave off dementia tomorrow. Managing conditions like hypertension, obesity, and diabetes, is more than just cosmetic. The benefits that your body gains are tremendous. We tell our patients, that unmanaged high blood pressure and high blood sugars can significantly raise your likelihood of developing dementia later in life. I encourage all my patients to be proactive about managing their health. Don’t wait until symptoms appear, talk to your doctor. Know your A1c values, know your cholesterol numbers, and know your blood pressure. Taking preventative steps now could help you lower your risk of developing dementia.” Dr. Puja Uppal, Family Medicine.

Beyond the News: Since the findings of this study observed that minorities and people of color bear the disproportionate impact of unmanaged dementia risk factors, it’s important to address disparities in healthcare access, quality, and outcomes among minority groups.

Key Drivers in DeKalb County:

A new study published in PLOS ONE examined data from over 860,000 people. The data showed that there were significant differences in dementia risk and age on onset among different ethnic groups.

The data showed that generally manageable risk factors, like hypertension, obesity, diabetes, HDL cholesterol levels, and sleep disorders have an even greater impact on dementia likelihood for minority groups when compared to White people.

Takeaway: “..hypertension had 1.57 times more impact on dementia risk in South Asian people and 1.18 times more impact in Black people.”

What they’re saying:…