The survivability of dementia in Hawaii is influenced by several factors, including the unique demographic and health characteristics of its population, especially Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders (NHPIs). Dementia, primarily caused by Alzheimer’s disease, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that leads to cognitive decline and ultimately death. In Hawaii, studies indicate that NHPIs experience dementia differently compared to other ethnic groups, with evidence showing a faster rate of cognitive decline among them.
Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders tend to have higher rates of cardiometabolic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. These comorbidities are known to accelerate the progression of dementia. Research comparing cognitive decline rates among Asians, Whites, and NHPIs with Alzheimer’s disease found that NHPIs had an annual cognitive decline rate approximately two to three times faster than the other groups. This suggests that dementia may progress more aggressively in this population, potentially impacting survivability negatively.
Stroke and cerebrovascular disease are also significant contributors to dementia risk and mortality. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders have the highest stroke rates among ethnic groups in the U.S., which compounds their risk for dementia and related complications. Since cerebrovascular disease is estimated to contribute to about one-third of dementia cases nationally, the high stroke prevalence in Hawaii’s NHPI population likely worsens dementia outcomes and survival rates.
Regarding mortality, Alzheimer’s disease is a leading cause of death in the U.S., and Hawaii is no exception. While exact state-specific dementia survival statistics are limited, the presence of high-risk factors such as cardiometabolic diseases and stroke among Native Hawaiians suggests that dementia survivability in Hawaii may be lower or involve a more rapid decline than in other populations. Additionally, non-depressive neuropsychiatric symptoms like apathy, common in dementia patients, are linked to increased mortality, further complicating survivability.
In summary, dementia survivability in Hawaii is shaped by the interplay of genetic, health, and social factors unique to its population. Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders face a disproportionate burden of risk factors that accelerate dementia progression and increase mortality. This highlights the need for targeted healthcare interventions focusing on managing comorbidities and stroke prevention to improve dementia outcomes and survivability in Hawaii.
