Unique Dementia Signs to Watch For in Latinos

Learn the distinct dementia signs to watch for in Latinos.

A new study sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association is uncovering some striking results in how dementia may show differently in Hispanic people. While further research is necessary to fully understand whether these differences are the consequence of social/cultural nuances or the dementia itself, it is beneficial information for Latino families to learn the specific dementia signs to watch for in Latinos.

What Are the Unique Dementia Signs for Hispanic Seniors?

Daily Life Activities

One feature of this research was the dramatically faster decline in the capability to do everyday activities, including walking, getting dressed, and taking a shower, when compared with other ethnicities. Andrea Ochoa Lopez, the University of Houston doctoral student who performed the research, explained that the cultural dedication to caring for older relations can be a contributing factor.

“Some families want to start doing everything for their older members to try and remove some of the burdens and make their lives easier,” she mentioned. “But there is research showing that when cognition is declining, older people actually do better when they stay active. And there is also still stigma. They may not want their elder family member to be seen as ill or mentally unstable.”

Depression and Anxiety

While we recognize that anxiety and depression are risk factors for dementia, a separate study of 5,000 individuals revealed a markedly higher percentage of Hispanic people reporting these issues: significantly more than 25%, as compared to nearly 16% and 11% in black and non-Hispanic white participants, respectively. Concentrating on the mental wellness of people with dementia is crucial. Clinical psychologist Michael Cuccaro points out, “We have lots of great evidence that medications and talk therapy help, but minorities have the lowest rate of getting this help.”

Although more thorough research is necessary to better comprehend these ethnic differences in dementia, finding minorities to participate in scientific studies has been an issue. Latinos currently make up fewer than 8% of present dementia scientific studies – in spite of the fact that the prevalence of dementia in Latinos is as much as 50% more than it is in non-Hispanic whites.

Families looking into current Latino dementia research opportunities can go to the Alzheimer’s Association’s TrialMatch web page to find out more.

At Hired Hands Home Care, our care aides are extensively trained and experienced in helping older adults with whatever their unique difficulties are, making life the best it can be. We achieve this by talking to each older adult in his or her home prior to the start of services, allowing us to create a custom-made care plan. We then carefully monitor the care plan over time to ensure needs are always fully met, both now and as needs change as time passes.

If the need may be for a little help with meals and housework, transportation and companionship, or if some more specialized dementia care assistance is necessary, Hired Hands Homecare provides the ideal solution. Call us at (866) 940-4343 to arrange a free in-home consultation to learn more about our dementia care in Marin, Sonoma, Napa counties, and the Tri-Valley.