Facts and Statistics
Alzheimer’s is not part of the normal aging process. It is a brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior.

Did you know?

Alzheimer’s is not part of the normal aging process. It is a brain disease that causes problems with memory, thinking, and behavior. 

Dementia is caused by physical changes in the brain. People with dementia have challenges with memory loss and other mental skills that impact daily life. There are many kinds of dementia, but Alzheimer's is the most common type.

By 2060, researchers estimate that out of all ethnic groups, Latinos will have the highest number of dementia cases: 3.2 million.

Today, Alzheimer’s disease is the 8th leading cause of death among Latinos. But many suspect that ranking is likely higher. That’s because cases of Alzheimer’s may not be reported due to being undiagnosed, stigma, or because of a lack of awareness about what Alzheimer’s disease is and how symptoms look. 

While Latinos make up 18% of the U.S. population, they make up only 2% of people who take part in research. This leaves gaps in what we know about the Latino experience with dementia. 

Specific Facts About Dementia in the Latino/Hispanic Community

There are many groups that make up the Latino community. The risk of developing dementia, and even dementia symptoms, can differ among groups. More research is needed to learn why. This is one of the reasons why the National Association of Hispanic Nurses and the Alzheimer’s Association are working together to increase the number of Latinos who take part in research on Alzheimer’s disease. Join the effort!

A national study found that older Latinos are more likely to live paycheck to paycheck. For some, health care costs can cause major financial harm. In some cases medical bills are larger than the family income. 

More than 4 in 10 older Mexican Americans who have dementia also have a history of diabetes or strokes. 

Mexican and Central American Hispanics living in California and Caribbean Hispanics living in Manhattan have much higher rates of dementia than the general population.

Caribbean Hispanics are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than Non-Hispanic Whites. More research is needed to understand why.

For Latinos middle-aged and older, healthy eating is linked to better understanding and memory. This is especially true for Latinos of Mexican and Puerto Rican backgrounds.

Heart disease increases your risk of developing Alzheimer’s. Heart disease may impact some Latino groups more than others. Puerto Ricans are at most risk for health problems linked to heart disease, followed by Cubans and Dominicans.