A new initiative in Polk County seeks to address the disproportionate impact of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia on the Latino community through early detection and education.
The pilot program, launched as a partnership between Broadlawns, the Polk County Health Department, and the University of Northern Iowa, targets cognitive health promotion and early detection among Latino adults.
Hispanic Americans face a 1.5 times higher risk of developing dementia compared to whites, according to health officials. Nearly 60% of Hispanic Americans believe significant memory loss is a normal part of aging, while 85% emphasize the importance of culturally competent care.
To bridge this gap, the program employs Community Health Workers from within the Latino community. These workers, specially trained by Broadlawns and the Alzheimer’s Association, provide educational sessions and early detection screenings.
Ana Coppola (above), a public health planner with the Polk County Health Department, highlighted the program’s approach. “Building trust is key to breaking down barriers to care,” she said. The initiative aims to leverage existing community relationships to improve access and understanding.
The next educational session is scheduled for July 17 at Our Lady of the Americas in Des Moines. For more information, interested individuals can contact Ana Coppola at the Polk County Health Department.
