Why is Alzheimer’s Disease More Prevalent in the Hispanic Community?
Main Article Content
Keywords
Alzheimer's Disease
Abstract
Hispanics are one of the largest and fastest-growing populations in the US. Their life expectancy will increase to age 87 by 2050, surpassing all other ethnic groups in the United States (1). There are many diseases that affect older Americans however, Hispanic Americans are reported to have a higher risk for Alzheimer's Disease, making Hispanics one of the largest groups of Alzheimer’s disease in the country (2). Latinos are one and a half times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than non-Hispanic Whites. Evidence indicates that vascular disease, including diabetes, may also be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease (1). Alzheimer’s disease is an abundance of genetic and environmental factors, but with the limited research, we are far from knowing an effective treatment, a reliable way to manage it, and some prevention from getting this disease. Levels of education have been shown to be a factor in those who are diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Hispanics have the lowest education levels of any cultural group in the United States. One in 10 Hispanic elders have no formal education and over half have 8 years or less (1). While education, or lack thereof, may not be the end-all cure for Alzheimer’s, the research shows that a large number of Hispanics are suffering from it. About 13% of Hispanics are suffering from Alzheimer’s disease at this moment (3). Among these, women are nearly two times more likely to be affected by Alzheimer’s disease than men (3). So then begs the question, why is Alzheimer’s more prevalent in the Hispanic community? Is it solely a lack of education, is it gender-specific, are there enough treatment options, or what does the future look like for Alzheimer’s?
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