How reactions to a brain scan result differ for adults based on self-identified Black and White race

Abstract

Introduction: How do reactions to a brain scan result differ between Black and White adults? The answer may inform efforts to reduce disparities in Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis and treatment.

Methods: Self-identified Black (n = 1055) and White (n = 1451) adults were randomized to a vignette of a fictional patient at a memory center who was told a brain scan result. Measures of stigma and diagnosis confidence were compared between-groups.

Results: Black participants reported more stigma than White participants on four of seven domains in reaction to the patient at a memory center visit. Black participants' confidence in an AD diagnosis informed by a brain scan and other assessments was 72.2 points (95% confidence interval [CI] 70.4 to 73.5), which was lower than the respective rating for White participants [78.1 points (95%CI 77.0 to 79.3)].

Discussion: Equitable access to early AD diagnosis will require public outreach and education that address AD stigma associated with a memory center visit.

Keywords: Alzheimer's biomarkers; Alzheimer's stigma; diagnosis confidence; race.