Hispanic Heritage Month 2020
Hispanic Heritage Month takes place September 15 to October 15, when we recognize and learn about the history, culture, and contributions of Hispanic Americans and those from past generations that originated in Spain, Mexico, Spanish speaking Caribbean, and Central and South America. Observance takes many forms, including eating food from the countries that are being celebrated, educating ourselves, and finding ways to experience and learn about Hispanic cultures and honor influential Hispanics who contributed in ways that helped this country grow and prosper. Most importantly, we can highlight the many Hispanic services and resources available to the community.
Interesting fact: did you know that the terms Hispanic and Latino are used interchangeably but have different meanings? The word Hispanic is an American term used to identify a person as someone who comes from or is a descendant of a Spanish-speaking country. Latino(a) is used when referring to someone who comes from Latin America or is a descendant from any Latin American country. There is still much debate on whether people prefer to identify as if Hispanic or Latino(a). For the following statistics that will be shared the term Latinos will be used.
How are Latinos affected by Alzheimer’s?
- Research has shown that Latinos are disproportionately represented in the older age groups most at risk of Alzheimer’s disease (65 and older).
- Latinos are at least 50% more likely than non-Latino whites to develop Alzheimer’s.
- This disease is the eighth-leading cause of death among Latinos. It is important to take into consideration stigma, low levels of awareness, and misdiagnosis that this number could be underreported.
- Latino life expectancy is projected to increase to age 87 by 2050, surpassing all other ethnic groups in the United States. The number of Latino older adults suffering from Alzheimer’s or another dementia could increase by 2050 by more than 600%, from approximately 200,000 today to as many as 1.3 million.
Alzheimer’s Los Angeles offers free services and programs in Spanish that help guide and support families caring for someone who has Alzheimer’s or another dementia.
- During the month of September and October we will be sharing one episode of our telenovela “Recuerdos Perdidos” weekly. The show is a four-episode series that follows a family coping with a diagnosis.
- Keep an eye out for our new Toma 5 videos, a Spanish series of videos, providing suggestions for ways you can take a small break, a deep breath, and a moment of self-care.
- Increase your knowledge with FREE Education & Training. For more about our upcoming classes, visit our calendar of events or call our Helpline. Classes are available in Spanish.
- Check out our Caregiver Tip Sheets for quick tips. Find them on our website: caregiver-tip-sheets available in Spanish and other languages as well.
- Connect with a care counselor for free individualized support to help families with care planning.
- Join a support groups and find a safe place to gather with others facing similar caregiver challenges. Our Spanish caregiver support group meets via telephone call every Wednesday from 3 to 4 PM. To participate contact our helpline.
- Call our Helpline for free support and referrals 844-435-7259
It is more important than ever to spread awareness among our Hispanic community about these free services. Alzheimer’s Los Angeles is here for families that find themselves on this new journey of caring for someone affected by this disease. This is a time to come together as a community and create an impact, to help families know they are not alone facing this disease.
Please help share this information with anyone that could benefit from the free support offered at Alzheimer’s Los Angeles. Let’s face Alzheimer’s together.