Latino Caregivers of Relatives with Alzheimer's Disease

Abstract

This review of the literature discusses the experience of Latinos who provide care to a family member with Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD). This discussion is imperative in light of the present demographic changes and in light of current findings suggesting that the risk for dementia is significantly higher for Hispanic elderly. All studies reviewed reported that the ADRD Latino caregiver is most likely to be a female caring for her parents or her parents-in-law. Despite the relatively low availability of informal support and the high levels of depression among ADRD Latino caregivers, most studies reported that ADRD Latino caregivers underutilize formal services. The major implications of the present review are that a heterogeneous perspective of the Latino community should be adopted by taking into consideration within group differences. In addition, systematic study of outreach and therapeutic interventions aimed specifically towards ADRD Latino caregivers is recommended.