Gene studies may have uncovered a relationship to heritage in risk of dementia diseases.
Recently reports of new gene studies on Alzheimer’s disease, explored why statistics showed the vulnerability of the occurrence of Alzheimer’s and other dementias on African-Americans and Hispanics.
In addition, there has been discovery of genes as major factor in the probability that a person is at risk for dementia diseases due to heredity.
One reason for the high incidence of Alzheimer's in these two ethnic groups may be due to other disease risk factors. Statistics have revealed a high count of metabolic and pulmonary diseases in African Americans and Hispanics.
Studies have revealed that the risk factors for diabetes and heart disease are also high in the same populations. Scientist have concluded that occurrence of memory loss may be delayed by attacking the causes for these diseases as well.
Congressional panel discusses ways to attack Alzheimer's
On March 19, 2010, Dr. Maria Carillo, Alzheimer's Association senior director of medical and scientific relations, presented the new data, which includes the prevalence of Alzheimer's disease in racially and ethnically diverse communities.
Specifically, statistics show that African-Americans are about two times more likely to have Alzheimer's and other dementias than whites, and Hispanics are about one and one-half times more likely. In addition, despite their elevated prevalence, these two groups are less likely than whites to have an Alzheimer diagnosis.
Dr. Carillo acknowledged that this higher prevalence might be attributed to the high rate of heart disease and diabetes among African-Americans and Hispanics, since these conditions are known risk factors for Alzheimer's disease.
According to Dr. Carillo, these risk factors are modifiable and all persons can take steps early on to deter the likelihood of developing dementia.
Some ethnic groups are less likely to seek education or take preventative steps.
Due to time restraints or economic conditions, African Americans and Hispanics may be among those ethnic groups who fail to seek out knowledge or get the proper health care to ward off diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and dementia..
Prevention or maintenance of symptoms takes discipline with daily care, exercise and food intake.
For all ethnic groups, a long and happily memorable life may mean changing old family traditions of heavy, fatty or sweet laden foods, rearranging life styles to include exercise and meditation and rearranging budgets to include health care.
For families who are struggling in the downside of the economy, setting aside pride and looking for good health care through the Family and Health and Human Service agencies is important for now and the future.
African Americans and Alzheimer's
Caring for Latinos with Alzheimer's
Caring for diverse populations
Find local Alzheimer's support groups.
African American Caregiver's Forum
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