Are Ethnic Minorities More Susceptible to Dementia?

 

Dementia does not affect everyone equally.

Although ethnicity itself does not cause dementia, research in the UK shows that some ethnic minority groups — particularly African, Caribbean, and South Asian communities — experience higher risks, later diagnoses, and more barriers to support.

 

This page explains why, in simple terms, and looks at how different cultures understand and respond to dementia.

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Dementia Is Not Caused by Ethnicity

 

There is no evidence that simply being part of an ethnic minority makes a person biologically more likely to develop dementia.

 

However, health inequalities and social factors can increase risk in some communities.

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Higher Rates of Certain Health Conditions

 

Some ethnic groups have higher rates of health problems that increase dementia risk:

 

• High blood pressure

• Type 2 diabetes

• Heart disease

• Stroke

• High cholesterol

 

For example:

 

• South Asian and Black communities have significantly higher rates of diabetes and hypertension.

• These conditions increase the risk of vascular dementia and can worsen Alzheimer’s disease.

 

So the link is indirect: the increased risk comes from these health conditions, not ethnicity itself.

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Late Diagnosis and Barriers to Care

 

People from ethnic minority backgrounds are more likely to:

 

• Receive a dementia diagnosis later

• Be misdiagnosed

• Or never receive a formal diagnosis at all

 

Common reasons include:

 

• Language barriers

• Limited awareness of dementia symptoms

• Belief that memory problems are just “old age”

• Distrust or unfamiliarity with health services

• Lack of culturally appropriate information

• Practical issues such as transport, work patterns, or caring responsibilities

 

A later diagnosis means the person may miss out on early treatment and support.

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Lack of Culturally Appropriate Services

 

Support services may not always reflect cultural needs, for example:

 

• Food that is familiar or acceptable

• Activities that respect cultural or religious practices

• Staff who speak the same language

• Understanding family structures, such as multi-generational households

• Awareness of cultural expectations around caring

 

When services cannot meet cultural needs, families may delay seeking help or feel they have no support.

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Social Stigma Around Dementia in Different Cultures

 

Stigma is one of the biggest barriers to getting help.

In many cultures, dementia is misunderstood or hidden, which increases isolation for both the person and the carer.

 

Here is a gentle overview of how stigma may appear in different communities.

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African & Caribbean Communities

 

In some families, dementia may be seen as:

 

• A normal part of ageing

• Something shameful

• Behaviour that should be managed within the family

 

Some people may attribute dementia symptoms to:

 

• Stress

• Spiritual causes

• Depression

• Personal weakness

 

This can lead to delays in asking for help, even when the family is struggling.

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South Asian Communities (Indian, Pakistani, Bangladeshi)

 

Common challenges include:

 

• Dementia being labelled as “madness” or instability

• Strong pressure to care within the family

• Reluctance to discuss mental health

• Families feeling judged if they cannot cope

• Difficulty recognising dementia as a medical condition

 

Language barriers may also make accessing support harder.

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Chinese and East Asian Communities

 

Dementia may sometimes be viewed as:

 

• A loss of dignity

• A source of shame

• A condition that reflects negatively on the family

 

Some families may avoid discussing memory problems publicly or seek help only when the situation becomes critical.

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Middle Eastern Communities

 

There may be beliefs that dementia:

 

• Is caused by stress or emotional trauma

• Should be managed solely by the family

• Is a taboo subject, particularly for women

 

Families often feel a strong duty to care, which can make accessing outside support harder.

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Western Cultures (UK, Europe, North America)

 

Although stigma is lower, people may still feel:

 

• Embarrassment

• Fear of losing independence

• Worry about diagnosis

• Concern about carers or institutions judging them

 

Stigma may be less visible, but it still affects help-seeking behaviour.

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Why Understanding This Matters

 

When stigma or misunderstanding prevents early help:

 

• The person may miss out on treatments

• Carers become exhausted

• Crises are more likely

• Families feel isolated or overwhelmed

 

Awareness helps professionals offer more sensitive support, and it reassures families that they are not alone.

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What Helps Reduce Stigma

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• Education: clear information in different languages

• Community outreach: dementia cafés, faith leaders, cultural groups

• Sharing stories: hearing from others who have faced dementia

• Support for carers: practical help and emotional reassurance

• Inclusive services: culturally appropriate meals, activities, and staff training

• Respecting family values: not replacing them, but supporting them

 

Reducing stigma helps families feel comfortable asking for help earlier.