A systematic review/meta‐analysis of prevalence and incidence rates illustrates systemic underrepresentation of individuals racialized as Asian and/or Asian‐American in ADRD research

Abstract

AbstractWe investigate Alzheimer's disease and related dementia (ADRD) prevalence, incidence rate, and risk factors in individuals racialized as Asian and/or Asian‐American and assess sample representation. Prevalence, incidence rate, risk factors, and heterogeneity of samples were assessed. Random‐effects meta‐analysis was conducted, generating pooled estimates. Of 920 records across 14 databases, 45 studies were included. Individuals racialized as Asian and/or Asian‐American were mainly from Eastern and Southern Asia, had higher education, and constituted a smaller sample relative to non‐Hispanic white cohorts. The average prevalence was 10.9%, ranging from 0.4% to 46%. The average incidence rate was 20.03 (12.01‐33.8) per 1000 person‐years with a range of 75.19–13.59 (12.89‐14.33). Risk factors included physiological, genetic, psychological, behavioral, and social factors. This review underscores the systemic underrepresentation of individuals racialized as Asian and/or Asian‐American in ADRD research and the need for inclusive approaches accounting for culture, language, and immigration status.Highlights There is considerable heterogeneity in the prevalence of ADRD among studies of Asian‐Americans. There is limited data on group‐specific risk factors for ADRD among Asian–Americans. The average prevalence of (ADRD) among Asian–Americans was found to be 7.4%, with a wide range from 0.5% to 46%.