Chicago Tribune Article: Latinos Have Unique Alzheimer's Challenges

An article in the Chicago Tribune is shedding light on the unique challenges that Latinos face when given an Alzheimer's disease diagnose.

As a whole, Latinos have an above-average risk of developing Alzheimer's disease because of limited access to medical services and health insurance, low levels of education and income and higher rates of blood pressure and diabetes. There are also cultural stigmas attached to Alzheimer's in the Latino community. For example, some Mexicans from rural areas believe that the disease is punishment for sins committed during a person's youth.

The situation is "a looming but unrecognized public health crisis," according to the Alzheimer's Association. It is predicted that by 2050, Alzheimer's and related dementias could affect 1.3 million older Latinos. The current tally is about 200,000.

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