Latinos are more likely to develop dementia or Alzheimer’s. What should you know about this risk?

New studies have begun to find differences in how signs of possible dementia or Alzheimer’s could be presented in the brains of Latino people in the United States, with a greater number of tau protein markers linked to these diseases.

These medical analyzes are key because for a long time it had not been closely studied how cognitive decline can occur in different ways depending on the demographic group. The fact that Latinos are now being looked at more closely is important given that in recent years the probability of developing these diseases has grown among our communities.

“It occurs more frequently in the Latino community,” Dr. María Mora Pinzón, professor at the University of Wisconsin and expert at the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute, explained to Noticias Telemundo.

“To put it in perspective: if we have 100 non-Hispanic white people age 65 or older, probably 10 of them are going to develop this type of disease in the next few years. But when we see the same number in a Latino community, of those 100 people between 12 and 15 “They are going to develop the disease,” he indicated.

This is what you should know about this disease and the risks among the Latino population:

Among Latinos it occurs before

Dementia is known as cognitive and neurological decline problems that can worsen as we age.

Symptoms include memory loss or decreased concentration to levels that make it difficult to do daily tasksor someone suddenly starts to be very disoriented or becomes more angry.

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There are types of dementia. Among them are Alzheimer’s, the cause of which is still not known for certain, and vascular dementia, which is caused by reduced blood flow to the brain.

For now, Latino people are 1.5 times more likely to develop dementia than non-Hispanic white people in the United States, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has predicted that By 2060, the Latino population will suffer the greatest increase in Alzheimer’s cases among all demographic groups in the country.

It is still not known exactly why this might be. Although recent studies shed some clues.

Researchers at the University of Southern California School of Medicine published an analysis in March that found differences in the presence of the protein tau, a molecule produced by our neurons that in greater quantities can impair neuronal capacity, which is why it is considered a biomarker of possible dementia. By looking at brain scans of older adults who did not yet have dementia, the researchers saw that among the Latino study participants there were increased levels of tau before in parts of the brain related to the functioning of our memory.

“Most of the research on Alzheimer’s so far has been based on non-Hispanic white participants, and our results show that we cannot assume that what has been found so far in that group applies equally to others,” said Koral V. Wheeler, one of the study’s authors.

From studies like this one from USC it has been possible to establish some signs in Latinos to be alert regarding dementia. Among them, which can be presented before turning 60 years old.

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“Something very important to consider is that in Latin communities we are seeing that the disease appears much earlier,” said Dr. Mora Pinzón.

“But sometimes we see the symptoms and maybe we think that only that person is getting oldwho is stubborn, and we don’t realize that there may be something else there,” he added.

What to look out for in our loved ones

A benefit of Latin communities is that there tends to be greater intergenerational closeness in families, and that can make it possible to notice at a good time that something is not normal.

Let’s say that your grandmother has always cooked very well, and that suddenly her rice starts to burn, or that when she bakes a cake or pie it tastes different than before and it turns out that this time she added salt instead of sugar.

Or maybe your uncle who sometimes doesn’t know where he left his glasses for a few months now is already losing his wallet, and has had to call the locksmith three times because he forgot where he put his house keys.

“That’s where ehhere there is something that is happening (…) it is these types of confusions or little things that one begins to notice and that we should not assume that it is anything,” said Mora Pinzón.

Many times in Latino communities, researchers have found that there is greater reluctance to acknowledge that something is not right with our bodies, to air what some might consider supposed “dirty laundry.” But in reality there is nothing wrong with saying that we need help, or with being especially insistent with our family members if we see that they need it.

“It’s a good idea to start a process of exploring there, of emphasizing: ‘well, maybe you’re perfect, but we’d better confirm,’” said Mora Pinzón.

Insistence is especially key if it is a possible case of Alzheimer’s, according to this specialist, because to diagnose it and begin a possible treatment, several visits to the doctor and tests such as tomography scans are required.

“We have seen that it really often depends on the family members to always be attentive and ensure that we follow the consultations as much as possible,” said the doctor.

An important fact is that, although the disease may present at younger ages among Latinos, it It doesn’t mean it’s already a lost battle.

Starting early helps

The risk of dementia can be stopped if early action is taken.

Studies have found that having some regular level of physical activity, even if it is walking for half an hour daily, “may be associated with a lower risk of dementia,” according to an analysis published last April.

There are other analyzes that have found possible links between dementia and having diseases such as type 2 diabetes, hypertension or high cholesterol levels since middle age, which plague Latino communities.

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So trying to address those issues can also make a difference. The risk of having high blood pressure can be reduced if the amount of salt in foods is reduced even a little, according to studies; and there are programs that have successfully prevented Latino people with prediabetes from developing diabetes.

Mora Pinzón summarizes these actions like this: “the most important thing when talking about how to prevent this, how to help mom, dad, brother, grandpa, is: healthy heart, healthy mind.”

In addition to getting some exercise in the morning and evening, such as taking a walk, getting enough sleep each day can reduce the risk of developing dementia by up to 25%.

It is also important to “exercise” the brain: even if you are sitting, doing puzzles or craft activities such as knitting help stimulate the mind.

Yeah I know There are beginning to be symptoms, that is not the end either. of the story.

“I don’t want people to be afraid and think ‘well, we’re here.’ Many times the symptoms can be resolved or treated,” Mora Pinzón said.

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Sometimes, some of the symptoms may not even be due to dementia yet, according to the doctor; It may be necessary to take certain vitamins or there may be an infection, which will only be detected by visiting a family doctor. Or at least going to a community clinic in cases where, for example, it is more difficult to afford the consultation or there are concerns about immigration status.

What else can be done

Mora Pinzón emphasizes that “the most important message for families is that we must continue insisting and remain vigilant” both with our loved ones if they have symptoms that worry us and with the health system.

For example, sometimes when requesting a specialty consultation through Medicare the appointment may be up to a few months in the future. “There is a lot of work to do in this area,” lamented Mora Pinzón, “but to say: ‘this has already taken a long time, no reason now’, that is not appropriate either.”

The doctor has been part of teams that have presented strategies to the CDC to remedy these waits, such as establishing community meetings.

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Today there are several support mechanisms and organizations focused on assisting, offering resources online, in person or by telephone.

“We have case coordinators, social workers, promoters, other people who can even help families have conversations with the person who may have symptoms to support them in seeking help,” said Mora Pinzón.