The Silent Epidemic

I recently visited my Uncle and my Aunt in Seattle, whom I had not seen in a while. One night, my Uncle, who serves as a physician in several hospitals in Seattle, had an interesting conversation with me. I initiated the topic about superiority amongst races when genetics are concerned and if he has seen common trends amongst different races that made them weaker or stronger. I was always under the impression that people of African origins were better built physically and similarly had greater endurance to diseases. However he revealed the opposite to me that African-Americans are more prone to certain diseases due to their genes, such as sickle cell anemia, hypertension, prostate cancer and diabetes. Researching on the matter revealed much more, especially about the silent epidemic of increased Alzheimer’s disease amongst black people.

Alzheimer’s is the most common form of dementia and is usually diagnosed in people over the age of 65. (Alzheimer’s Research Foundation). ‘Alzheimer’s disease is more prevalent among African-Americans than among whites - with estimates ranging from 14% to almost 100% higher.’ (Cynthia Post) This is a surprisingly high statistic. What is even more shocking is the fact that there is a greater familial risk of Alzheimer’s in African-Americans. (Alzheimer’s Association) While the immediate causes of the disease remain unknown, I noticed that one of the common suspected cause included hypertension. This was supported by an article, which mentioned that ‘Data from longitudinal studies suggest that high cholesterol and high blood pressure may be significant risk factors for Alzheimer’s’. (Alzheimer’s Association) These are trivial findings for African populations, among whom vascular disease and its risk factors are already disproportionately present.

Africa is believed to be the ancestral homeland of all modern humans. (Sarah A. Tishkof) Perhaps these prevalent diseases are caused by susceptible alleles that are likely present in older races, and hence present more so in people of African origin. Hence, it is important to study African populations for not only their benefit but for the benefit of other races as well. It is equally important to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s among African populations, and to get services and treatments to those who are affected by the disease.

References:

Sarah A. Tishkoff and Scott M. Williams, “GENETIC ANALYSIS OF AFRICAN POPULATIONS: HUMAN EVOLUTION AND COMPLEX DISEASE”, Aug 2002. http://www.uvm.edu/~rsingle/stat395/S04/papers/Tishkoff%2BWilliams-NatRevGenetics-02.pdf

Cynthia Post, “Georgia: Alzheimer's Disease in the African American Community”, Atlanta Daily. http://www.dnafiles.org/outreach/ethnic-media-fellows/atlanta-ga-cynthia-post

Alzheimer’s Association, “African-Americans and Alzheimer’s disease” http://www.alz.org/national/documents/report_africanamericanssilentepidemic.pdf

"Alzheimer's Research on Causes and Risk Factors." Fisher Center for Alzheimer's Research Foundation. May 1, 2003. http://www.alzinfo.org/research/alzheimers-research-on-causes-and-risk-factors