088. The (invisible) impact of Alzheimer's Disease in the Asian American Community
May is Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month – AAPI for short. To observe it, Tanesha Tyler-Carr returns to the podcast to discuss Alzheimer’s stats as they pertain to the AAPI population. As the programs and services coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association: Dallas and Northeast Texas chapters, she brings her expertise to discuss unique challenges within this group.
According to the Alzheimer Association’s 2021 Facts and Figures Report, the AAPI population is less likely than other groups to have Alzheimer’s. However, only 18% are aware of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI). Despite prevailing views that forgetfulness is a natural part of aging, it could be a precursor to Alzheimer’s and should be taken seriously.
Senior Services Expert Lori Williams and Tanesha Tyler-Carr discuss such stats, along with:
-AAPI attitudes around medical practitioners and research studies
-Beliefs on aging and cognitive decline
- Other fascinating facts and figures
Tanesha emphasizes that it’s important to be an advocate for your health and to know the warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia as a first defense against the disease.
Topics discussed:
-Alzheimer’s and dementia
-Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders
-Mild cognitive impairment
-Clinical trials for Alzheimer’s
-Alzheimer’s Association
-AAPI community
-Systemic racism
Takeaways from this episode:
-Nearly 45% of Asian Americans believe that medical research is biased against people of color. They may be wary of becoming “guinea pigs” for clinical trials due to a history of systemic racism and discrimination in the U.S.
-The Alzheimer’s Association partners with the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging to help people in the AAPI community understand their risk for Alzheimer's and other types of dementia, and to address stigmas and cultural concerns.
-Korean Americans may be at risk due to lifestyle factors such as high alcohol and tobacco use. Language barriers may also limit access to healthcare and insurance.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
083. The true economic impact of Alzheimer's Disease: 2022 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures
The Alzheimer’s Association: Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and Alzheimer’s
https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/asian-americans-and-alzheimers
075. How brain fitness slows down dementia and Alzheimer's disease
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