Bill Aims To Increase Funding, Research For Hispanics With Alzheimer's Disease

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Article Date: 10 Jun 2008 - 6:00 PDT

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Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-Calif.) has proposed a bill that aims to increase funding and resources for Hispanics with Alzheimer's disease, the Long Beach Press-Telegram reports. According to the Alzheimer's Association, the number of Hispanics with the disease is expected to increase from 200,000 to 1.3 million by 2050. Sanchez said the increasing number of Hispanics in the U.S. population and longer lifespans are thought to be behind the increase.

The bill would emphasize "linguistically and culturally appropriate care" and increase Hispanic participation in federally funded clinical trials. Sanchez said that there is a need for more Spanish-speaking care providers because many bilingual Hispanics who have Alzheimer's revert to their native languages. She said, "If we do not provide culturally competent care, we will not overcome the disparity between Hispanic and non-Hispanic communities when it comes to early detection and quality treatment" (McKenzie, Long Beach Press-Telegram, 6/6).

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