Knowledge, perceptions, and feelings associated with Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias among middle‐aged Latinas residing in an underserved agricultural community in California

Abstract

AbstractBackgroundBy 2060, Latinos will represent nearly one‐third of Americans and the Latino elderly population over 65 will nearly quadruple. Over the next 40 years, Latinos are projected to have the largest increase in Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia (ADRD) cases. Despite the expected number of Latinos with ADRD, knowledge gaps are particularly large for Latinas living in regions typically underrepresented in ADRDs research, such as rural and/or agricultural regions. Therefore, the goal of this study is to assess knowledge, perceptions, and feelings associated with ADRD among a sample of middle‐age Latina women.MethodWe used qualitative methods involving semi‐structured interviews to examine the knowledge, perceptions, and feelings associated with ADRD among a subsample of the Center for Health Assessment of Mothers and Children of Salinas (CHAMACOS) study participants, who are Latina women residing in an underserved agricultural community entering mid‐life (mean = 47 years old). We conducted interviews with 20 Latina women and analyzed data with thematic content analysis.ResultsWith regard to knowledge and perceptions about ADRD, three themes emerged: 1) Women associate ADRD with loss of memory, getting lost, losing one’s humanity; 2) They are not familiar with protective and risk factors for ADRD, including cardiovascular risk factors; 3) They believe ADRD can be prevented and want to learn how to prevent it and recognize signs and symptoms. With regard to feelings associated with ADRD, three themes emerged: 1) Fear of developing ADRD, losing independence, and not being aware of reality or who they are; 2) Sadness about how people with ADRD are treated, including those living in a nursing home; 3) A sense of powerlessness to help people with ADRD or oneself once diagnosed with ADRD.ConclusionMiddle age represents a window of opportunity to reduce ADRD risk by raising awareness, prioritizing lifestyle changes, and create community conditions that support brain health. This study found that middle‐aged Latinas are concerned about ADRD and want to learn how to prevent ADRD and recognize signs and symptoms. More research is needed to study effective interventions to prevent ADRD among middle‐age Latinas, particularly from regions of the US often underrepresented in ADRDs research.