ABSTRACT

Available literature on risk factors for dementia in minority populations in the United States is reviewed. Risk factors are not only important to understand; they also may help explain differences in prevalence and incidence between race and ethnic populations. Several risk factors which have been studied in the general population have not been specifically studied in race/ethnic groups. Most literature suggests older age and less education are risk factors in the groups studied. The ε4 allele in the Apolipoprotein gene was a positive risk factor in most populations except Puerto Ricans. In that group a unique genetic mutation Gly206Ala predicted increased risk. Diabetes was an especially important risk factor among African Americans, American Indians, and Mexican Americans. Depression is a risk factor among American Indians, African Americans, and the Hispanic Caribbean population. More research is needed on modifiable risk factors for all groups, especially among immigrant populations. Immigration can precipitate increased risk behavior, such as sedentary lifestyle and Western/poor diet.