Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive, debilitating neurological disease that presents both a social and Public Health problem (Marshall & Hutchinson, 2001). AD is the fastest growing disease in the United States, currently afflicting an estimated 5.4 million Americans. This number has doubled since 1980 and is expected to be as high as 13.5 million by 2050 (Hebert et al., 2003). The number of those suffering from AD is expanding yearly and following the aging of the Baby Boomers; prevalence will escalate rapidly and is expected to double by 2020, as one out of every eight baby boomers develops this disease (California Council for the Alzheimer’s Association, 2008).
Hispanics are the fastest-growing population in the United States. During the first half of the 21st century, the number of Hispanic elders with AD and related dementias could increase more than six-fold, from fewer than 200,000 today to as many as 1.3 million by 2050 (Alzheimer’s Association, 2012). Researchers are beginning to discover the impact of AD on the Hispanic community and it is reported that Hispanics are about 1.5 more times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than whites (Alzheimer’s Association, 2012).
80% of care provided at home is delivered by family caregivers; fewer than 10 percent of older adults receive all of their care from paid workers (Alzheimer’s Association, 2011). In 2010, 14.9 million family and other unpaid caregivers of people with AD and other dementias provided an estimated 17 billion hours of unpaid care which h ad an estimated economic value of $202.6 billion (Alzheimer’s Association, 2011). The strong cultural value of family responsibility is a strength of Hispanic/Latino communities and studies have demonstrated the high sense of filial responsibility for elders, particularly among Hispanic daughters (Mausbach, et al., 2004). Other research shows that Hispanic families tend to have high acceptance of cognitive impairment and dementia and view these diseases as a normal part of aging to be managed within the family (Alzheimer’s Association, 2004). Hispanic/Latino families, particularly daughters and other female relatives, provide a disproportionate share of AD care; including more care for longer periods of time at higher levels of AD impairment than non-Hispanic caregivers (Alzheimer’s Association, 2004).
Phase 1—Quality of Life Diagnosis
Caregivers of patients with AD suffer from increased rates of depression, physical illness, social isolation, health care utilization, anxiety problems, and anger, as well as decreased quality of life, and emotional strain (Alzheimer’s Association, 2011; Mausbach et al., 2004). The research on Hispanic caregivers is lacking but the findings of one study suggest that in reality, Hispanic caregivers can suffer similar negative effects as their non-minority counterparts which are manifested in physical symptoms (i.e. hypertension, emotional problems, and heart ailments), depression, and stress (Cox & Monk, 1993).
Hispanic culture is characterized by values that shape behaviors and give substance to the development of individual identity (Cox & Monk, 1993). The belief in spirituality emphasizes dignity and encourages appropriate respectful behaviors and a high acceptance of fate (Cox & Monk, 1993). These cultural values also influence the care of elderly people (Alzheimer’s Association, 2004). A research study on older Mexican-Americans found that personal beliefs, language proficiency, and economic status were the most frequently perceived barriers to health care (Alzheimer’s Association, 2004).
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