Hispanics, dementia and Alzheimer's disease

Studies suggest that many Hispanics may have more risk factors for developing dementia than other groups, and a significant number appear to be getting Alzheimer’s earlier. The fact that Hispanics have higher rates of diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, stroke and possibly hypertension may be increasing their risk for dementia. Less education may also make Hispanic immigrants more vulnerable to these medical conditions and to dementia because scientists say education may increase the brain’s plasticity or ability to compensate for symptoms. And some researchers cite as risk factors stress from financial hardship or cultural adjustment. The Alzheimer’s Association says that about 200,000 Latinos in the United States have Alzheimer’s, but that, by 2050, based on Census Bureau figures and a study of Alzheimer’s prevalence, the number could reach 1.3 million. The Latino population may have the highest amount of risk factors and prevalence, in comparison to other ethnic groups.