“While there is no cure, treatment medication can make progression slower [and] patients more functional for longer,” says Herrera, who regularly prescribes medications that prevent the breakdown of acetylcholine, a brain chemical involved in memory and thinking.

Alzheimer’s: What to Look for On average, Alzheimer’s lasts for eight to ten years from the time it’s diagnosed. Starting treatment immediately after diagnosis—no matter what the stage—can help slow the progression of symptoms. Mild Stage • Forgets names of common objects • Repeats the same thing over and over • Gets lost easily • Loses interest in things he or she once enjoyed Moderate Stage • Has trouble remembering recent events • Has trouble with simple tasks • Believes things are real, even when they’re not • Wanders, often at night Severe Stage • Eventually cannot use or understand words • Has increasing difficulties recognizing self or family members • Loses ability to care for self Source: losamigosdesumemoria.com

A recent first-ever Hispanic-only clinical trial of an Alzheimer’s treatment—the Eisai/Pfizer drug Aricept—on patients in the earlier stages of the disease yielded positive results: cognitive function improved significantly, as did object recognition, speed of mental processing, attention, and concentration.

“The message,” says Dr. Oscar Lopez, an Argentinean researcher at the University of Pittsburgh who conducted the study, “is that if you have Alzheimer’s, get treatment; it helps.”

The bad news? “Many Hispanics don’t have insurance and can’t afford the medicine without insurance,” Herrera says. “I give away samples, but I can’t give an optimum dose; the samples are a lower dose.”

The disease profoundly affects Hispanic families—who the U.S. Census Bureau reports are twice as likely to live in multigenerational households that include elders. Not only does AD strike Latinos disproportionately, but Hispanic families are more likely to care for the afflicted relative at home. In addition, “many can’t afford nursing homes or assisted-care facilities,” Herrera says.

It’s doubly important, then, to get a medical diagnosis and treatment early.

Latinos typically believe memory loss is “just old age,” says Cruz, of the National Hispanic Council on Aging. “The individual tends to go to the doctor when already in a bad way…It presents a challenge to families when medicines to delay Alzheimer’s are not utilized. They don’t have time to plan. When diagnosed, it’s too late; they are already at a disadvantage.”

Care for Caregivers
Yet while caring for the AD patient at home generates enormous financial and emotional stress, especially on the caregivers, the personal care and loving, familiar environment might be a key to the longer lifespan seen in Hispanic AD patients, Cruz surmises.

Help for Caregivers Many organizations are ready, willing, and able to provide information, advice, and in-home aid for family caregivers. Check these out: Alzheimer’s Association 1-800-272-3900 National Association of Area Agencies on Aging National Hispanic Council on Aging (NHCOA) Alzheimer’s Disease Demonstration Grants to States (ADDGS) National Institute on Aging and Alzheimer’s Disease Centers

“We should encourage that [type of care] by getting caregivers help,” Cruz says. Otherwise, “they are under unimaginable pressure. They often have to quit their jobs. One woman told me how depressed she’s getting taking care of her mother while looking after her kids.”

National, state, and community organizations can help. And the Alzheimer’s Association offers bracelets and pendants bearing a code and an 800 number that allows the association to locate relatives and caregivers should the patient wander off or get lost.

To boost the patient’s quality of life, Dr. Herrera recommends “keeping the loved one involved in family affairs.” Jose Rodriguez has seen firsthand the benefits of doing so.

“I take Ana to restaurants—she’s always out with me,” he says. “We go to Parrot Jungle, Disney World, the movies. I don’t keep her in the closet.

“Love is so important. Learn her body language, how she reacts,” Rodriguez counsels. “I know my wife better than before, every movement, her face. You can’t change them; you have to change yourself. But there’s a solution for everything. There’s always a way.”

Support from family members is definitely a factor that researcher Kala Mehta identifies as an area for future study. Perhaps it’s love like Rodriguez’s that allows Latino Alzheimer’s patients to live 40 percent longer.

5 Ways to Reduce the Risk of Alzheimer's Although there's no sure way to prevent Alzheimer's disease, some of the following tactics might help reduce risk: Always use bicycle helmets and seat belts and slip-proof shoes to reduce the chance of injury. Head trauma is linked to a higher risk of Alzheimer's. Exercise and eat a low-fat diet rich in vegetables and fruits to keep your cholesterol low and to control your weight. (Recent studies show a correlation between being overweight and Alzheimer's. One study found that diabetes, which is exacerbated by excess weight, triggered a 65 percent greater risk of Alzheimer's in 824 participants.) Eat fish at least once a week. Get sufficient levels of folic acid and vitamins C, E, B-6 and B-12. Stay mentally active. Join a book club, join a bridge club, play chess or do crossword puzzles. Or sign up for a class at your local college. 7 Ways for Alzheimer's Patients to Stay Active Some steps that patients can take to stay active: Focus on remaining abilities and develop strategies for dealing with declining ones, such as using reminder notes for appointments; Establish a daily routine that provides structure, consistency, mental stimulation and exercise; Spend more time with children and grandchildren; Establish a relationship with a doctor who answers questions and discusses treatment options clearly and thoroughly; Put legal, medical and financial affairs in order; Tell trusted friends about the diagnosis, and enjoy low-key social gatherings with them; Join a support group. —From aarp.org