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    Hispanic Americans and Alzheimer's

    Hispanic Americans and Alzheimer's

    Approximately 13% of Hispanics who are 65 or older have Alzheimer's or another dementia. Learn what the Alzheimer's Association is doing to address health disparities and provide support for Hispanic community members living with Alzheimer's or another dementia.

    Quick facts

    Like other demographic groups, Hispanic Americans have a variety of backgrounds, races, ethnicities and experiences. If you are a health care or services provider, advocate or otherwise serve people living with Alzheimer's or their families, there is no substitute for engaging local voices to learn what your community needs and how to meet those needs.
     

    While Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely than Whites to have dementia, more research is needed to understand why.

    One-third of Hispanic Americans (33%) report that they have experienced discrimination when seeking health care.

    Almost 9 out of 10 Hispanics (85%) say it is important for Alzheimer’s and dementia care providers to understand their ethnic or racial background and experiences.

    Almost 6 in 10 (57%) believe that a significant loss of memory or cognitive abilities is a normal part of aging.

    For more information, please see our special 2021 report on Race, Ethnicity and Alzheimer's in America (PDF).

    Help is availableA Hispanic man talking on the phone

    If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's or another dementia, you are not alone. The Alzheimer's Association is the trusted resource for reliable information, education, referral and support to millions of people affected by the disease.
     

    Participate in the Alzheimer’s Association TrialMatchA Hispanic family talking with a doctor.

    Clinical trials are research studies conducted with human volunteers to determine whether treatments are safe and effective. Despite the benefits of participating in a clinical trial, Hispanic Americans are underrepresented in clinical trials. Engaging, recruiting and retaining diverse populations in Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials is essential to working toward better health equity. Participants who volunteer are supporting the development of treatments and gaining access to care and support from leading medical experts free of cost.

    Hispanics are underrepresented in clinical trials:
     
    • Individuals are most willing to volunteer for a clinical trial if they are invited to participate (85%), want to contribute to the goal of research (83%) or have a family member with the disease (74%).
    • African Americans, Latinos and American Indians are significantly more likely to volunteer if asked by a person of the same race, and are more concerned than White Americans about disruption of work and family responsibilities and availability of transportation and childcare.
    • Commonly used Alzheimer’s clinical trial exclusion criteria have the potential to disproportionately affect African Americans and Hispanics/Latinos, which may play a role in their reduced enrollment in research.
    The Alzheimer’s Association can help you find clinical trials through TrialMatch®, a free, easy-to-use service that connects potential participants to studies that further Alzheimer’s research. Volunteering for a research study may benefit you directly and help researchers find a new treatment or a cure. People living with dementia, caregivers and healthy volunteers who do not have dementia can participate. Learn more about the TrialMatch process.

    Volunteer in your community

    Music Moments with Luis Fonsi

    Luis Fonsi, one of the leading Latin music artists of his time, shares his connection to the song "Girasoles" ("Sunflowers") with Alzheimer's Association Music Moments.

    Hear His Story
    Become a volunteer and help change lives close to home and beyond. The Alzheimer's Association has a variety of volunteer opportunities available. You can make an impact in your community by finding an in-person or virtual volunteer role that is right for you.

    Volunteer stories

    • Sonia Martinez, advocate and community educator: "I love seeing our hard work come to fruition." Read Sonia's story of advocacy, volunteerism and spreading awareness about Alzheimer's within the Hispanic/Latino community and beyond. English | en español
    • Carlos Olivas III, Walk to End Alzheimer's committee member: "As an Alzheimer's caregiver, I am surrounded by other caregivers in communities of need who are also navigating the disease." Read Carlos' story of learning how to become a caregiver for his dad. English | en español
    • Joe Arciniega, Alzheimer's Association board member: "[Losing my father] lit my activism." Joe is committed to advocating for legislation that advances Alzheimer's research and support. Read Joe's story in English.

    Association partnerships

    At the Alzheimer's Association, we believe that diverse perspectives are critical to achieving health equity — meaning that all communities have a fair and just opportunity for early diagnosis and access to risk reduction and quality care. The Association is committed to engaging underrepresented and underserved communities and responding with resources and education to address the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

    The Alzheimer's Association partners with many organizations to better serve all communities in the United States. Its partners in serving the Hispanic community include:
     
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