Distinctive Dementia Risks for South Asian Americans

Research suggests that risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia can vary across populations. For South Asian Americans, the risks may be unique, highlighting distinct genetic, lifestyle, and health-related contributors.

Differences in Dementia Risk Factors

A review in Alzheimer’s & Dementia analyzed 25 years of studies on dementia prevalence in India. The findings suggest that South Asians may encounter different risk combinations compared to those with European ancestry. Despite this, the South Asian demographic remains underrepresented in Alzheimer’s research, leaving gaps in understanding.

“In the United States, there has never been a study specifically focused on brain health in aging South Asians,” study leader Michal Schnaider Beeri shared with Newsweek. “The evidence available is limited and influenced by factors like immigration, cultural adaptation, and dietary changes.”

Potential Risk Reduction Strategies

According to Beeri, managing cardiometabolic health is key for South Asian Americans to reduce dementia risk. This includes monitoring diabetes, hypertension, and addressing vision and hearing loss. Staying active and maintaining social connections are also crucial.

The review compared findings with the 14 modifiable dementia risk factors from the 2024 Lancet Commission. These factors, such as diabetes and hearing loss, contribute to approximately 45% of dementia cases worldwide.

Diabetes: A Significant Risk

Diabetes holds particular significance for South Asians, often developing at younger ages and lower body weights compared to other groups. This variation could influence prevention strategies, as diabetes significantly increases dementia risk. Beeri emphasized that the nature of diabetes among South Asians involves a specific form characterized by insulin deficiency, progressing more rapidly from prediabetes.

Impact of Education and Sensory Impairments

Education is a substantial factor, accounting for 22% of modifiable dementia risk in India. One study revealed that individuals without formal schooling face a tripled dementia risk compared to those with primary education.

Vision and hearing impairments further contribute. In India, untreated vision loss might explain 14% of dementia cases. Hearing loss correlates with a 59% increase in dementia risk.

Genetic Insights and Ongoing Research

Genetic variants associated with dementia risk in European ancestry have a limited effect among South Asians. These findings support the SAMARTH study at Rutgers, which investigates Alzheimer’s risk and protection in South Asian adults in the U.S.

“SAMARTH aims to identify dementia risk and protective factors specific to South Asian populations,” Beeri mentioned. “This study seeks to inform more precise prevention and treatment strategies.”

For further information, the referenced study is titled “The landscape of dementia in India: Prevalence, risk factors, and opportunities ahead,” published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia.