An ASU doctoral student is working to help Latinos manage Alzheimer’s disease

PHOENIX (AZ family) — Yearbook Walk to end Alzheimer’s disease takes place this weekend in downtown Phoenix and Arizona’s Family is once again a proud sponsor, helping to raise money and awareness for research and support for Arizona families.

The South and Southwest have the fastest increase in Alzheimer’s disease rates in the country.

Getting involved this weekend is a personal mission for one ASU student as she dedicates her Ph.D. in the fight against this merciless disease.

Alma Manzo is a community educator for Desert Southwest Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association and fourth-year Ph.D. student at Edson College of Nursing & Health Innovation at Arizona State University.

She just presented at the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference in Philadelphia, where she discussed navigating cultural nuances and understanding and addressing the challenges faced by Latino caregivers.

“In the Latino community, getting a diagnosis is extremely difficult,” Manzo said.

USC study from 2016 shows that Latinos are the largest and youngest minority in America. As we age, doctors must prepare for a wave of Alzheimer’s disease diagnoses.

Experts expect that by 2060, the number of Latinos diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease will increase by 832%.

“That’s why it’s really important to get an education to help the Latino community,” Manzo said.

Manzo spent a year working in a dementia care facility. Although she has no family history, she knows the Latino community faces unique health care challenges, from income and access to language barriers and cultural stigma.

“Sometimes we feel like we may be a burden or an embarrassment, but this is more common than you think, and your neighbors, friends and family can be very helpful,” Manzo said.

She found that these cultural norms can also increase the burden on caregivers.

“They are sometimes called the hidden patient. “For Latinos, typically the cultural value is to stay in the family, to keep the caregiver at home, so they don’t really reach out to different formal care resources,” Manzo said.

Instead of nursing homes or hired help, Manzo says too many Latino families are disconnected and don’t want them to feel alone.

That’s why he’ll be at the annual festival this weekend Phoenix March to End Alzheimer’s Disease , information activities and spreading awareness.

“My message is that there are a lot of resources out there,” Manzo said.

The Alzheimer’s Association has 24/7 helpline that continually connects families with resources.

From clinical trials to prevention and treatment options, they are constantly fighting for a cure.

Join the Arizona family for Walk to end Alzheimer’s disease on Saturday.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. at Wesley Bolin Plaza in downtown Phoenix.

Crash /tap here to learn more and register.

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