African-American Outreach

Have you ever participated in clinical trials or other research? Have you ever wondered if you should? Have you felt that you could not trust what you might be subjected to in a trial? Although there is a greater incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) among African-Americans, very few actually participate in clinical trials. Researchers, scientists and physicians often encourage African-Americans to get involved so that the findings can better help those who are suffering.

Recently, I attended a meeting about current research at the NYU School of Medicine – Silberstein Institute that discussed a variety of clinical trial options. One study, designed for people without AD who are 75 years of age and older, will seek to develop an early AD diagnosis by analyzing the cerebrospinal fluid of healthy individuals to learn whether certain proteins and isoprostanes are related to memory changes. Another study is for caregivers of people with AD and involves counseling and support sessions while they care for their loved ones. Other studies are specifically designed for people with AD. Each study provides information regarding what is involved and how the process works.

There are many reasons why someone may feel apprehensive about participating in a clinical trial, such as not knowing what is involved. But after attending this informational program, I now have a better idea of how I can get involved. By participating in clinical trials, we can play an important role in helping to develop effective treatments and eventually
a cure.

Please refer to the N.Y.C.A.R.E. for more information on a range of valuable clinical trials.

African-American Outreach is interested in hearing from you. Please contact me at 646-744-2922 or by
e-mail at rirving@alznyc.org if you are a member of or know organizations where we could speak about
Alzheimer’s disease and the resources available at the NYC Chapter.

— Rosemary Irving, LCSW
Manager, African-American Outreach

Latino Outreach

Alzheimer’s is a disease that has not been recently discovered; it has been around for more than 100 years. Today, the rapid increase in the number of people affected by the disease has precipitated a more aggressive awareness and public policy campaign. Alzheimer’s is a disease that affects everybody regardless of their race, skin color, ethnicity or cultural or financial backgrounds. Research has not yet identified one single group that could be exempt from developing Alzheimer’s.

Considering the diversity of the Latin culture, research has noted some specific facts about certain subgroups. For example, there is currently a special focus on Dominican, Puerto Rican and Colombian communities. Within these subgroups, studies have found families in which multiple generations have developed Alzheimer’s disease. The reason…unknown!

Currently, studies are been done by Columbia University in the area of Washington Heights tracing families back in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Also, a study was done in Medellin, Colombia, which revealed that 19 people from the same family were suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. Interesting data has been found about specific Latin subgroups, and more research will be looking into this.

Regardless of the racial group, society at large is affected by the devastating effects of this disease. Research efforts to find a cure and to learn how to better cope with the disease will continue across cultural borders.

Please feel free to contact me at 646-744-2949 or by e-mail at lvalois@alznyc.org if you need assistance
or additional information.

Visit our Summer 2008 newsletter en Español.

— Licet Valois V., MSW, MPS
Manager, Latino Outreach

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