In Nueces County, Texas, researchers uncovered troubling insights into dementia diagnosis awareness among a diverse population. A new study reports that 81% of participants with probable dementia were unaware of their diagnosis. This startling statistic sheds light on the prevalence of undiagnosed or uncommunicated dementia, with significant ethnic disparities further complicating the issue.
Mexican American participants (MAPs) faced the greatest challenge, with 85% unaware of their condition compared to 68% of non-Hispanic White participants (NHWPs). Surprisingly, the study found that access to primary care was not a major factor—only 6.6% of participants lacked a primary care provider, and no significant link was observed between access and diagnosis awareness.
This population-based cohort study utilized the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) to identify individuals with probable dementia. Diagnosis unawareness was defined as cases where healthcare providers had not communicated a dementia diagnosis. Although caregiver burden is often a critical concern, the study revealed no significant association between unawareness and caregiver strain. However, unawareness correlated with more severe cognitive decline and greater physical impairment.
The findings highlight an urgent need for improved physician-patient communication and culturally sensitive healthcare practices. Ethnic disparities in diagnosis awareness point to structural barriers that may prevent Mexican American individuals from receiving timely and transparent diagnoses.
This study underscores the importance of educating both patients and caregivers about dementia, particularly in multi-ethnic communities. Healthcare professionals are encouraged to develop targeted interventions to bridge these gaps, ensuring equitable and effective care for all populations.
The persistent unawareness of dementia diagnoses poses challenges for treatment and care planning.
Reference: Martins-Caulfield J et al. Dementia Diagnosis Unawareness and Caregiver Burden in a Multi-ethnic Cohort. J Gen Intern Med. 2025. doi: 10.1007/s11606-024-09333-1.
Anaya Malik | AMJ
