Alzheimer's Disease--A Growing Concern For The Hispanic Community

Monday, March 1, 2010

spotlight on health Alzheimer’s Disease—A Growing Concern For The Hispanic Community One study showed that using (NAPSA}Hispanic Americans Is It Alzheimer’s Disease? are the fastest-growing older popucombination therapy including lation in the United States, and, as Is your parent or grandparent acting just 0 two different classes of currently a result, the Hispanic community little unusual? Are they having... available prescription medications is facing a major health crisis with —Namenda plus Aricept—can Alzheimer’s disease. About 200,000 Difficulty placing o telephonecall? provide significant benefits to Hispanics are currentlyliving with Unexplainable mood swings? patients with moderate to severe the disease. That numberis ex- Troublefinding their way home? Alzheimer’s disease, including: pected to skyrocket to more than a Maintaining functional indemillion by 2050, according to the This couldbe a sign of Alzheimer's disease, pendence—theability to perform Alzheimer’s Association. daily activities, such as grooming so talk to the doctor to make sure your Alzheimer’s disease can take loved oneis getting the proper treatment or conversing away a person's ability to remem- ondcore. Improving behavior, such as berthings, learn new tasks, or perless agitation, irritability, and form everyday activities such as loved one is having difficulty per- appetite changes eating and dressing. Alzheimer’s is forming everyday activities like Slowing cognitive decline in a devastating disease that affects planning a meal and remembering the areas of memory and language. the entire family; people wholive dates, or has a sudden mood Caregiver Support Team in multigenerational settings (e.z., change, you may be seeing signs “Caring for someone with grandparents, parents and chil- of Alzheimer’s disease. According Alzheimer’s disease can put extra dren) are especially vulnerable. to Ricardo Pardo, M.D., of the Jac- stress on anyone,” says Dr. Pardo. In thefaceof this health crisis, into Medical Group in Baytown, “Work with family members, it is essential that families under- Texas, “People often mistake friends, doctors and nursesto crestand Alzheimer’s disease and its symptomsof the disease as ‘nor- ate a ‘team’ to help with the symptomsso they can best care mal’ signs ofold age.” responsibility and reducestress. Diagnosis and Treatment for their loved ones and get them Building a team can help ensure thehelp and treatment they need. Now that you can recognize the proper treatment and care, and symptoms, be sure to see a doctor reduce the burden ofthe disease More than 63 percent of Hispanics report if you think that your loved one on everyoneinvolved.” not knowing enough about Alzheimer's may have Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Support groups can also help Pardo says, “Once someone is by providing a place to share disenseto recognize its symptoms. @ diagnosed, treatment can begin experiences, information and Recognizing Symptoms immediately. Although there is no encouragement. For more inforUnderstanding Alzheimer’s dis- cure, treatment with available mation, talk to your doctor and ease and its symptomsis key to a prescription medications can visit www.alzfdn.org. proper diagnosis. Symptomsin- makea real difference in the lives clude gradual memoryloss, im- of patients and caregivers, and Hispanics ore more likely to participatein asupport group than caregivers of other paired judgment, disorientation, help patients maintain the ability difficulty in learning, and lan- to do things like dressing and ethnic groups. @ guage problems.If you notice a bathing.” ae NAMENDA?(memantine hydrochloride) is indlieated for the treatmentof moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease. NAMENDAis available by prescription only. Important Risk Information About NAMENDA Who should NOT take NAMENDA? NAMENDAshould not be taken by anyone who is allergic to NAMENDAor has had a bad reaction to NAMENDA or any ofits components. What should be discussed with the health care provider before taking NAMENDA? Before starting NAMENDA, talk to the health care provider about: * All of the patient's medical conditions, including kidney or liver problems. In patients with severe kidney problems, the dose of NAMENDA mayneedto be reduced * All prescription or over-the-counter medications the patient is taking or planning to take * The recommended dosing and administration ofNAMENDA. What are the possible side effects ofNAMENDA? The most common side effects associated with NAMENDA treatment are dizziness, confusion, headache and constipation. This is not a complete list of side effects.

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