CHICAGO, Oct. 6 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to the Alzheimers ssociation “Hispanic Perceptions of Alzheimers Disease” survey(1), which was funded by MetLife Foundation and released today during National Hispanic Heritage Month, 64 percent of survey respondents felt that the Latino community is not very aware or not at all aware of Alzheimers disease. This information, coupled with the finding that Hispanics are one and one-half times more likely to have Alzheimers disease and dementia than whites(2), demonstrates the need for additional Alzheimers information and support services in the Latino community.
From the Alzheimers Association “Hispanic Perceptions of Alzheimers Disease” survey:
— While more than 90 percent of those surveyed knew that Alzheimers is a progressive brain disease that causes memory loss and problems with thinking and behavior, only half (53 percent) knew it is a fatal disease.
— Seventy three percent of those surveyed felt that knowing the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimers is very important. However,
— Only thirty nine percent of people survey knew that trouble understanding visual images and spatial relationships is a warning sign of Alzheimers.
— Only thirty eight percent of people survey knew that challenges in planning or solving problems is warning sign of Alzheimers.
— Only thirty four percent of those surveyed knew that withdrawal from work or social activities is a warning sign of Alzheimers.
— Fifty four percent of those surveyed incorrectly thought forgetting which day it is but remembering later is a warning sign of Alzheimers.
— Forty percent of those surveyed incorrectly thought losing things from time to time is a warning sign of Alzheimers.
Despite this knowledge gap, at 71 percent the majority of survey respondents indicated that they would like to learn more about Alzheimers warning signs. To help meet those needs, the Alzheimers Association has created a Spanish-language educational workshop entitled “Know the 10 Signs.” The workshop, which is currently available to people with the disease and their families from the more than 70 Alzheimers Association Chapters nationwide, explores the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimers disease with participants. The “Know the 10 Signs” Spanish-language workshop will also be made available to the public at http://www.alz.org/espanol this fall.
“Alzheimers disease is not normal aging. It is a complex brain disease that impacts much more than memory,” said Janis Robinson, Director of Diversity and Strategic Collaborations at the Alzheimers Association. “Knowing the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimers is critical to early detection and receiving the best care possible, so it is imperative that we are inclusive as this public health crisis explodes across the country, including in our diverse communities.”
When speaking about the barriers to seeking further care, the majority of respondents (39 percent) said the person exhibiting warnings signs do not believe they have a problem. Other barriers include concern about reaction by the person exhibiting warning signs and others, preference to not think about it and lack of a cure.
“Alzheimers affects millions of individuals, and the general public relies upon the Alzheimers Association as a leading resource for accurate information,” said Dennis White, president and CEO of MetLife Foundation. “These findings help to heighten the importance of providing the Hispanic community with much-needed information and help raise awareness of Alzheimers disease.”
For more information on the 10 Warning Signs or to find an Alzheimers Association Chapter in your area, please visit http://www.alz.org/espanol.
About the Alzheimers Association
The Alzheimers Association is the leading U.S. voluntary health organization in Alzheimer care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimers disease through the advancement of research, to provide and enhance care and support for all affected, and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. The Associations vision is a world without Alzheimers disease. For more information, visit http://www.alz.org.
MetLife Foundation, established in 1976 by MetLife, has been involved in a variety of healthy aging initiatives addressing issues of caregiving, intergenerational activities, mental fitness, health and wellness programs, aging in place initiatives, and civic engagement opportunities. For more than 20 years, the Foundation has supported research on Alzheimers disease and provided support for a number of caregiver initiatives, including education and outreach activities, caregiver videos, Alzheimers education and awareness resources, and resources for the Hispanic community. For more information, visit http://www.metlife.org.
(1) The Alzheimers Association “Hispanic Perceptions of Alzheimers Disease” survey funded by the MetLife Foundation interviewed 872 Hispanic/Latino males and females ages 25+ via telephone and online Interviews July 26, 2010-August 18, 2010. In reporting results, statistical testing was performed at the 95% confidence level.
(2) The Alzheimers Associations Facts and Figures report is a comprehensive compilation of national statistics and information on Alzheimers disease and related dementias. The report conveys the impact of Alzheimers on individuals, families, government, and the nations health care system. Since its 2007 inaugural release, the report has become the most cited source covering the broad spectrum of Alzheimer issues. The Alzheimers Disease Facts and Figures report is an official publication of the Alzheimers Association®.
SOURCE Alzheimers Association
