Alzheimer Disease: The Hispanic Challenge

ALZHEIMER DISEASE: THE HISPANIC CHALLENGE

George Perry, Ph.D.College of Sciences

The University of Texas at San Antonio

Concern about AD

Time Magazine

Concern about AD

People are living longer Incidence of the disease is increasing The disease is incurable Families are emotionally and financially

burdened The disease steals our consciousness and

identity

Causes of DeathPercentage Changes in Selected Causes of Death

Between 2000 and 2006

Alzheimer and August D

1906 1906

1970

Linked to AgingProportion of People Aged 65 and Older with Alzheimer’s Disease

and Other Dementias by Race/Ethnicity

Washington Heights-Inwood Columbia Aging Project, 2006, N=2,162

Changes of the Brain

alz.org

Mitochondria Autophagy

Mitochondria remnants marked by

nanoparticles

Reducing Alzheimer Disease

Requires understanding the biology of aging

Pathology of aging may be a protective response

Lifestyle modification has substantial benefit