Late Dementia Diagnosis Among Elderly Minority Populations in the United States: Causes, Effects, and Addressing Inequities

Abstract

Millions of elderly people aged 65 years and above are living with dementia in the United States (US). While dementia cases are highest among minority racial groups in the US, this population often receives late or missed diagnosis compared to their White counterparts, leading to glaring disparities in dementia incidence, prevalence, and health outcomes. With dementia cases anticipated to increase in the future, delays in diagnosis are likely to create personal and a greater public health burden over time for elderly minority populations. We conducted an ecological study of the relationship between the causes, effects, and outcomes of late dementia diagnosis minority populations in the US. We searched Google, PubMed, and Google Scholar, and reviewed 80 English articles related to late dementia diagnosis among minority populations in the US published from 2008 to 2024. We found that the timely and accurate diagnosis of dementia will enable minority patients to receive prompt and effective treatment to avert or slow down the condition, reduce the cost of care significantly, and help the elderly to maintain cognitive health for a greater duration before the condition becomes severe. It will also give them the opportunity to contribute toward their care planning process.