Hispanic Population May Be At Greater Risk For Alzheimer’s

November 11th, 2009

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A New York Times article published last October has pointed out some alarming developments about the prevalence of Alzheimer’s Disease in the Latino community. The article refers to studies that suggest Hispanics may have higher risk factors for dementia. Even worse, Alzheimer’s seems to be appearing at a younger age for this group.

A multitude of elements seem to be contributing to this observation. Financial hardship and language barriers prevent some from seeking adequate medical care and early diagnosis. Lack of accurate information about Alzheimer’s in the Latino community leads others to assume that symptoms are part of the normal aging process, which can be incorrect.

On a more positive note, experts think a genetic predisposition to the disease in the Hispanic population is unlikely. What is more significant is the range of other degenerative disease conditions prevalent among Latinos, such as heart disease, hypertension and diabetes, that in a significant number of instances exist concurrently with Alzheimer’s.

Elder Law planning provides an important advantage to anyone that faces the prospect of a serious disabling illness such as Alzheimer’s Disease.   Proper planning opens up the possibility of obtaining needed care under the Medicaid program, and preserving assets and income at the same time.  Serious illness or injury does not have to be accompanied by financial ruin from medical expenses and long-term health care costs.

Typically, an individual’s money, investments, home and other assets can be kept within the family unit. That means these assets can be used for the patient’s benefit while he or she is alive, and what remains can help the family after their loved one is gone.

In most instances, it’s not too late to achieve Medicaid eligibility, even if a patient has already entered a nursing home. Lamson & Cutner’s Special Report, 25 Strategies to Prevent Financial Ruin from Long-Term Health Care Costs discusses this in the first two Strategies it outlines.

The above New York Times article points out that the majority of Hispanic Alzheimer’s patients live at home with multigenerational families. L & C’s Special Report will also give you details on getting home care assistance covered by Medicaid and how an Elder Law attorney can help.

See the NY Times Article at the following link: More Alzheimer’s Risk for Hispanics

Entry Filed under: Aging, Alzheimers and Elder Care