Minorities and Alzheimer's--A Startling Look at the Statistics, and the Outreach Planned to Educate

Aug. 29, 2012 - PRLog -- An Alzheimer’s Association study shows that African Americans are twice as likely as whites, while Hispanics are one-and-a-half times as likely to develop Alzheimer’s.  It is a topic at the center of many studies, and an issue that alarms Jamie Lopez, vice president of healthcare for Constant Care Family Management, an affiliate company of The LaSalle Group.  Lopez plans to educate Atlanta residents, especially minorities, about the disease and provide free seminars, support groups, outreach, memory testing, education, and free day stays to give caregivers a break.  The company recently broke ground on Autumn Leaves of Sugarloaf, its first memory care community in Georgia, and education is part of the company’s mission.

“The statistics are alarming, and they demonstrate the tremendous responsibility we have as a collective group to improve the numbers,” said Lopez.  “We need to help educate the community so families can identify the early signs of Alzheimer’s, get access to treatment, and keep cognitive abilities as sharp as possible.”

Lopez points to several reasons why research suggests the frequency of Alzheimer’s is higher in minority populations.  African Americans face a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, and Hispanics have a higher incidence of diabetes.  Both diabetes and cardiovascular disease increase the risk of Alzheimer’s.  A lack of access to information and a cultural belief that memory loss is a natural part of aging also play a role.

With World Alzheimer’s Month in September and National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month in October, this is a critical time to shine a light on this epidemic.  After all, one in eight Americans over 65 has Alzheimer’s in the United States.

“Even if families dealing with Alzheimer’s or dementia do not live in our community, we need to offer them access to information about health care, support groups, activities, and programs,” said Lopez.  “It is important to recognize the symptoms of Alzheimer’s and dementia and seek out help early.  We want to be a resource for the community at large.”  

Autumn Leaves of Sugarloaf will offer free memory screenings at local events and in the community.  The short screenings can reveal information about a deficit or potential problem with the way the brain processes information.  Participants will receive an analysis to take to their doctor.  The community will also bring in speakers, researchers and doctors to educate the public, and the staff will always be available to answer questions or share resources.  On Wednesdays, the community will provide free respite care to the public.  A caregiver can bring a loved one to the community for five hours for free, so the caregiver can go shopping, rest, and take a break without having to pay for a day stay program.

Jamie Lopez is available to share her Alzheimer’s expertise with the media, and the community.  She is extremely knowledgeable and well-versed on the topic. To set up an interview, call Amy Jones 214-890-7912 ext. 30 or email at ajones@fortepr.com

ABOUT AUTUMN LEAVES OF SUGARLOAF
Autumn Leaves of Sugarloaf is currently under construction and scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2013.  The 26,000 square foot community, designed for Alzheimer’s and dementia residents, will provide a compassionate home-like environment with the highest quality memory care available.  The nearly $10 million project is the result of a partnership between The LaSalle Group, The Frost National Bank and Silverado Interests, and it will create 200 jobs.  Constant Care Family Management oversees all aspects of property management of Autumn Leaves memory care communities.

For more than 12 years, Autumn Leaves has focused exclusively on caring for families with dementia and Alzheimer’s.  Every Autumn Leaves community is designed and constructed with the unique needs of seniors in mind.  Autumn Leaves uses the latest research to shape the care, nutrition and activities to improve the residents’ quality of life. Autumn Leaves of Sugarloaf is the first community in the Atlanta area.  With Autumn Leaves communities open or under construction in Atlanta, Houston, Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicagoland, and Tulsa we are growing at a smart, steady pace.  For more information about Sugarloaf Memory Care, please visit the website at AutumnLeavesLiving.com or call 888-420-4222.