Despite the importance of an early diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer's Disease (AD), Latino patients and their families tend to utilize diagnostic services when patients are in the advanced stages of these conditions. While socioeconomic, language, and institutional barriers have been identified as factors delaying the help-seeking process for many Latino families, this pilot study focused on how culturally-bound perceptions of cognitive impairments in the elderly may be the first barrier in service utilization. A clinical vignette describing a 63-year old woman presenting with mild cognitive impairments was utilized to examine the perceptions of 28 Latino respondents who were interviewed at length on five illness/symptom attributes. Content analysis of their responses indicated that while cognitive impairments were highly perceived as a natural part of the aging process, they were also perceived as pathological, progressive and incurable. However, cognitive impairments were not identified or linked to an illness label. These perceptions may have been influenced by the sample's views on aging, which was perceived as a normal, unavoidable, progressive, and debilitating process that results in the loss of abilities and dependence on family members. Consequently, help-seeking pathways were focused within the family system, while formal health services were not as well verbalized or endorsed. Findings suggest that the sample lacks awareness on what is the most effective help-seeking pathways in dealing with early signs of AD. The gap between their perceptions and effective help-seeking pathways can be addressed by increasing awareness on AD and the formal health services available in their community.
Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to: 1. Articulate how Latinos perceive mild cogntive impairments or early signs of Alzheimer's Disease and how their views on aging may infuence those perceptions. 2. Discuss how Latinos' peceptions and level of familism guide the help-seeking pathways they undertake. 3. Describe ways in which the Latino community can find more effective help-seeking pathways to deal with the early signs of Alzheimer's Disease.
Keywords: Ethnic Minorities, Aging
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: None
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.