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Differences in mortality associated with dementia in U.S. blacks and whites
Richard F Gillum1, Thomas O Obisesan
1Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, College of Medicine, Howard University, Washington, DC 20060, USA.
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|November 19, 2011
Summary
Geographic patterns of dementia mortality differ by race across the United States. While overall rates are similar, specific regions show significant racial disparities in dementia death rates and diagnosis patterns.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Epidemiology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Dementia mortality patterns in the United States may vary by race and geographic region.
- Understanding these variations is crucial for public health initiatives and disparities research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the geographic distribution of dementia-related mortality differs between racial groups in the U.S.
- To determine if racial disparities in dementia mortality vary across different U.S. geographic regions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of U.S. multiple-cause-of-death files from 1999-2004.
- Examined age-adjusted death rates for dementia among Black and White individuals aged 65+ in U.S. Census geographic divisions.
- Compared diagnostic patterns (unspecified dementia/senility vs. Alzheimer's disease) between racial groups.
Main Results:
- Overall U.S. age-adjusted dementia death rates were similar for Black (628/100,000) and White (647/100,000) individuals.
- Significant geographic variation in racial differences was observed, with Black individuals having higher rates in three divisions and White individuals in five.
- Black individuals were more likely to be diagnosed with unspecified dementia or senility compared to White individuals, particularly in the Middle Atlantic region.
Conclusions:
- Geographic variations in racial disparities for dementia mortality exist within the U.S., despite similar overall rates.
- Further research is necessary to differentiate between certification artifacts and biological factors contributing to these observed variations.
- Improved understanding of these disparities can enhance disease monitoring and health equity research.
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