Reyes-Esteves Sahily, Singh Alvin, Ternes Kylie, Mendizabal Adys
Department of Neurology, Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States of America.
Department of Neurology, University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA), Los Angeles, CA, United States of America.
J Neurol Sci. 2025 Jan 15;468:123333. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2024.123333. Epub 2024 Nov 30.
This review critically examines neuro-palliative care disparities in historically minoritized groups in the U.S., particularly in Asian, Black, and Latino communities. Addressing a gap in the 2022 American Academy of Neurology guidelines, this review synthesizes current literature and our clinical experiences as neurologists who identify as members of these communities in diverse care settings. We identify common barriers to palliative care access and acceptance, influenced by cultural heterogeneity, mistrust, and systemic disparities. The review offers targeted, actionable recommendations at the provider, healthcare system, and policy level to improve care and reduce disparities.