Many Blacks, Hispanics Misinformed About Alzheimer's

Faison thinks the medical community is not diagnosing Alzheimer's early enough in minority communities.

"These findings alert us that patients with Alzheimer's are not being assessed and diagnosed early enough, and they are not aware of the treatment options available to them," Faison said. "One of the reasons for the delay in diagnosis is that these patients were unlikely to be offered a memory screening."

Another expert agreed that more needs to be done to reach minority communities to educate them about Alzheimer's disease.

"Alzheimer's is not a normal part of aging," said Laura Kochevar, associate director of Hispanic/Latino Outreach at the Alzheimer's Association. "The need to educate people in minority communities about Alzheimer's is essential."

The Alzheimer's Association currently has outreach programs that target both the black and the Hispanic communities. "These programs are using television, radio and print to educate minority communities about the disease," Kochevar said.

More information

For more information on Alzheimer's, visit the Alzheimer's Association.

SOURCES: Eric J. Hall, founding CEO, Alzheimer's Foundation of America, New York City; Warachal E. Faison, M.D., clinical director, Alzheimer's Research and Clinical Programs, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston; Laura Kochevar, associate director, Hispanic/Latino Outreach, Alzheimer's Association, Chicago; March 14, 2007,ICAN: Investigating Caregivers' Attitudes and Needs