The number of Latinos suffering from Alzheimer’s disease is predicted to increase 600 percent by the year 2050. At that moment, the life expectancy for Latinos will exceed all the other ethnic groups’, reaching 87 years, according to data of Alzheimer’s Association.
But living longer might not be all it’s cracked up to be. A study done by Doctor Sid O’ Bryant, of the University of North Texas Health Science Center on part of the Latin population in the United States, revealed that our community develops Alzheimer’s and other memory problems nearly ten years before the rest of Americans. Latinos have a greater vulnerability to the disease than non- Latino white Americans. Why is that?
According to Alzheimer’s Association’s research Alzheimer’ s Disease Facts and Figures 2010, the risk of developing Alzheimer’s Disease is 1.5 times greater for Latinos than for non- Latino white Americans.
- Existing evidence indicates that conditions like diabetes, obesity, high pressure and high cholesterol can be risk factors for Alzheimer’s Disease. Specifically, the scientists are finding new evidence that could connect type 2 diabetes to Alzheimer’s. Latinos present each one of these risk factors.
- Although there is a greater rate of Latinos versus white non-Latinos suffering from Alzheimer’s in the United States, there is greater probability for Latinos to get a non-specific or incorrect diagnosis. The lack of sufficient healthcare coverage for the population leads to fewer confirmed cases and lack of critical care.
- Latinos face greater risk of developing the disease and other types of Dementia because they live longer but, at the same time, they have higher rates of cardiovascular problems which is also a risk factor of Alzheimer’s Disease.
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