Knowledge and Beliefs About Medical and Non-Medical Interventions to Control Alzheimer’s Disease Among Latinos in New York City

Objectives

Latinos experience significant health disparities for Alzheimer's disease (AD) with an increased likelihood in developing the disease relative to non-Latino Whites. Our study sought to examine Latinos' beliefs about controlling the symptoms and progression of AD to identify gaps in community knowledge and improve understanding of culturally based perceptions of health and illness.

Methods

We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews in English or Spanish with 216 Latinos aged 40–60 years (average age 53 years) living in the neighborhoods of northern Manhattan. We asked them whether they believed there were interventions that could help control AD. The data was analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Most participants viewed medications as important in the management of AD, though they had limited specific knowledge about existing medications for AD. Some participants thought herbal and nutritional supplements could have some benefits. Many believed activities for mental stimulation could help enhance cognitive functioning. A few suggested that a healthy diet and exercise could help slow the progression of AD. Some participants believed that emotional wellness and degree of support influenced AD progression.

Conclusions

Limited knowledge of available medications and evidence-based non-medical approaches to control AD may adversely impact help-seeking behavior and use of effective management strategies among those with AD. Future interventions should strive to expand knowledge about ways to effectively manage and treat AD in Latino communities.

Trial Registration: The ClinicalTrials.gov ID is NCT04471779. The date registered was July 15, 2020