More than 200,000 Spanish-speaking people in the United States suffer from Alzheimer’s disease and, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, that number could potentially increase to 1.3 million by 2050 – a growth rate of 600 percent. Alzheimer’s presents its own set of problems in the general population, but it seems to affect the Latino population at a higher rate. Latinos, studies suggest, possess more risk factors (diabetes, high blood pressure) for developing dementia than other groups and exhibit Alzheimer’s symptoms at an earlier age than non-Hispanics. In addition, surveys indicate Latinos’ reluctance to see doctors may result from financial and language barriers or because they mistake dementia symptoms for normal aging, thereby delaying the diagnosis. Taped in Spanish in front of an audience – and subtitled in English – COMPASSION FOR THOSE WE LOVE focuses on the human stories of the care giving crisis in a town hall-style format, hosted by Ms. Tsi-tsi-ki Felix, a Telemundo news anchor and reporter, and featuring a panel discussion and a question-and-answer session with experts. One of the Hispanic community’s strengths – the strong cultural value of family responsibility and the desire to care for elders and loved ones in the home – make the need for accurate information and access to care giving resources all the more critical. This educational program addresses these issues and others in a linguistically and culturally sensitive manner. Although geared specifically to the Hispanic community, much of the information presented is universal and applicable to most Alzheimer’s caregivers.
Airs on WXXI-TV October 25, 2018 at 4:00 am
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