Diverse Hispanic communities in New York City need information and services to help combat their higher risk for Alzheimer's disease

NEW YORK, Sept. 19, 2017 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In honor of Hispanic Heritage month September 15^th – October 15^th, the Alzheimer's Association- New York City Chapter is highlighting free resources and local programs available in both Spanish and English. Community outreach to the diverse Hispanic/ Latino communities is critically important because Hispanics are about one-and-one-half times more likely than whites to have Alzheimer's disease and other dementias.

According to the NYC2010 Census, the Hispanic population reached 2,336,076 and accounted for 28.6 percent of the city's population.

Information about early diagnosis in particular is crucial, since Hispanics are typically diagnosed at later stages of the disease when they are more cognitively and physically impaired- therefore needing additional medical care.

Free Spanish-language services from the Alzheimer's Association

The Alzheimer's Association's multi-lingual 24/7 Helpline 800.272.3900 is available any time, day or night, in more than 200 different languages. Families can also access alz.org/espanol to find Alzheimer's disease information and local support services in Spanish.

Know the 10 Signs® - Hispanics are normally diagnosed in the later stages of the disease. As a result, medical cost can incur substantially higher than whites with Alzheimer's. Identifying Alzheimer's behavior can be imperative to helping the ones you love in a timely fashion. If you recognize any warning signs in yourself or a loved one, please see a doctor.

Caregiver Resources- Alzheimer's takes a devastating toll on caregivers. Compared with caregivers of people without dementia, twice as many caregivers of those with dementia indicate substantial emotional, financial and physical difficulties. The Alzheimer's Association offers tips and learning materials to help with stress and safety concern for caregivers and loved ones of those living with Alzheimer's.

Risk Factors- Genetic factors do not appear to account for the greater prevalence of – or the greater risk for developing – Alzheimer's disease in Hispanics. High blood pressure and diabetes are substantial risk factors for Hispanic communities in developing Alzheimer's and other dementias.

To find local resources for caregivers, including support groups, individual care consultations, and Spanish-language informational materials, New Yorkers can visit alz.org/nyc or alz.org/espanol/  or call the multi-lingual 24/7 Helpline 1.800.272.3900 for support and information, whenever it's needed.

SOURCE Alzheimer’s Association - NYC Chapter

Related Links

http://alz.org/nyc