Promising Approaches for Assisting Hispanics with Alzheimer's Disease, their Families, and Caregivers

As the U.S. Hispanic population ages, a growing number of families will be touched by Alzheimer's disease—a disorder that attacks the brain gradually destroying a person's memory. The Alzheimer's Association predicts 1.3 million Hispanics will have Alzheimer's by 2050, and more than 200,000 are already living with the disease today. Alzheimer's disease is an emerging concern for the Hispanic community, as health leaders begin preparing for the impending “Hispanic Aging Boom.”

Many experts worry Hispanics will be hit particularly hard by Alzheimer's, because they are more likely to have certain risk factors associated with the disease. Hispanics live longer than non-Hispanic whites. They are more likely to have diseases like diabetes—another risk factor for Alzheimer's disease—and less likely to access the support needed to manage their conditions. Hispanics often face language and cultural barriers as they try to navigate the health and social service systems.

This presentation highlights innovative and culturally proficient approaches that are being implemented in Minnesota and Puerto Rico for reaching Hispanic seniors with Alzheimer's, their families, and caregivers. It also provides information on available resources that are culturally proficient and language appropriate to help individuals, families, and caregivers cope with Alzheimer's disease.