Observational Neurology Study Finds 86% Lower Odds of Anti-Amyloid Therapy for Black Adults with MCI or Dementia
An observational study of over one million adults links race, ethnicity, and social vulnerability to markedly lower initiation of anti-amyloid Alzheimer's therapies, while adherence among starters is equitable. The evidence is limited to associations from claims data and cannot establish causation or rule out unmeasured confounders. Targeted interventions at the point of identification and referral are needed before disparities widen with broader drug uptake.
Because the design is cross-sectional and relies on claims data, residual confounding by unmeasured referral patterns or patient preferences cannot be excluded. Next-step research requires prospective cohort studies that track patients from cognitive screening through specialist referral and amyloid confirmation, with explicit capture of insurance, travel, and trust variables.
Michigan Medicine group: the relative difference in initiation rates by race will remain above 60% through 2028 without changes to referral or eligibility pathways.
Sources (2)
- [1]Primary Source(https://www.neurology.org/doi/10.1212/WNL.0000000000218594)
- [2]Supporting Source(https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamaneurology/fullarticle/2810573)