....Alzheimer’s disease in the Hispanic community is reaching a crisis level. Research suggests that Latinos may be up to three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease and it is estimated that by 2050 the number could increase six-fold.

....Since Alzheimer’s disease has a big impact on family life, it is important for the entire family to get information about Alzheimer’s and dementia as soon as possible, and to understand what resources are available to help the family coping with Alzheimer’s disease.

Photo caption: Dr. Greg Talavera, Roberto Velasquez, Ed Martinez, and Zara Marselian

....To address the concerns of the Hispanic community, the Alzheimer’s Association along with San Ysidro Health Center, Casa Familiar, La Maestra Family Center and UCSD Shiley-Marcos Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, invited elected leaders and healthcare professionals to a symposium on June 1, to discuss strategies for developing a culturally competent care system.

....“The need is there, the community is there, now how can we better serve you?” –asked conference organizer Martha Rañón of the Alzheimer’s Association. “The goal of the conference is to get policy makers and healthcare professionals to communicate and to develop new ways of addressing the needs of the Hispanic community.”

....Congressman Bob Filner and Assemblywomen Mary Salas (SD-79) and Shirley Horton (SD-78) were key speakers and recognized the urgent needs of the community. Assemblywoman Salas, who has a personal connection to Alzheimer’s, called out to the community, “education is vital…there are barriers when people think dementia is a part of aging, it is not.”

...California Legislature bills AB 317 & SB 321 are well on their way to the Governor’s desk, and it seems that the California legislature is listening to the needs of the Alzheimer’s community.

...Through the partnerships fostered at the conference, the lines of communication between community and government are better; leaving many of the healthcare organizations in attendance hopeful that a competent care system is shortly on the horizon.