Racial differences in clinical and social variables among patients evaluated in a dementia assessment center

Despite increased interest in dementia and the concomitant creation of dementia assessment centers, there has been a paucity of reports examining racial differences in the social and clinical presentation of dementia. Such information can enhance knowledge about dementia and assist in the planning of diagnostic centers located in areas with large minority populations. This study reviewed the charts of patients evaluated at a dementia assessment center in New York City. The sample comprised 102 white and 68 black patients. There were no racial differences in types of dementia nor reported length of illness. However, bivariate analysis revealed many significant differences between the groups in social, medical, and psychiatric variables. Most notably, a stepwise discriminant analysis identified seven variables--Medicaid recipient, gender, age, sleep disturbances, delusions of stealing, hypertension, and concentration--as correctly being able to classify 75% of cases. Racial differences in cognitive and behavioral symptoms may reflect the interaction of dementia with physical health, premorbid history, environment, or some basic difference in disease course.