Why This Can’t Wait: Striving for Health Equity

The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter partnered with the State Society on Aging of New York and AARP to host a virtual program focused on health equity in Alzheimer’s and dementia care on March 5,2026.

Current statistics on the prevalence of Alzheimer’s and dementia in the U.S. show that it is two times more prevalent among African Americans/Blacks and one and a half times more predominant among Hispanics/Latinos than their white counterparts.

Dr. Carl V. Hill, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the national Alzheimer’s Association

• outlined the gender, racial and ethnic disparities and factors that impact these outcomes including:

• Two thirds of people in the US with Alzheimer’s are women

• Behaviors (nutrition, physical activity, social engagement, managing high blood pressure)

• Individual circumstances (education, wages, social class, access to resources)

• Environmental (air pollution, obesity, smoking, social isolation, excessive alcohol use,  bias and structural racism)

• Barriers to treatment and under representation in research for those experiencing disparities

Dr. Hill spoke about the new medications available which can be temporarily slow the worsening of dementia symptoms but are only effective if the treatments are started in the early stages of the disease.

The presentation emphasized the critical role of strategic collaboration with trusted community partners to expand outreach, improve awareness and ensure more equitable access to resources and support services.

Source: Dr. Hill, C. (March 5,2026). Why This Can’t Wait: Striving for Health Equity [Webinar]. Alzheimer’s Association. https://www.alz.org.