In the heart of Texas, along the border communities of Laredo and El Paso, the impact of Alzheimer’s disease reverberates at alarmingly high rates.
During the eighth annual Walk To End Alzheimer’s in Laredo, residents carried pinwheel-shaped flowers representing various aspects of the disease’s toll. Orange for research supporters, yellow for caregivers, purple for those who have lost loved ones, and blue for those currently battling Alzheimer’s, as first reported by The Cronkite News.
A recent study by the Alzheimer’s Association revealed that Laredo and El Paso share the highest Alzheimer’s rate in Texas, standing at a staggering 15%. This revelation underscores the urgent need for enhanced research and care initiatives within these border communities.
Subodh Kumar, a research assistant professor at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in El Paso, attributed the higher prevalence of Alzheimer’s in Hispanic communities to multifaceted socio-economic factors. Poverty, limited access to education, and healthcare disparities exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals and families grappling with the disease.
“The Texas border is very long and there are very few research hospitals and research-oriented hospitals,” Kumar told The Cronkite News.
In the face of these challenges, communities like Laredo and El Paso grapple with healthcare shortages, hindering timely diagnosis and treatment. Joe Arciniega, a local advocate, emphasized the critical need for inclusive research and healthcare strategies tailored to address the unique needs of Hispanic and African American populations.
Despite the hurdles, grassroots initiatives like the Walk To End Alzheimer’s serve as beacons of hope, rallying community support and raising vital funds for research and care.
As efforts to combat Alzheimer’s continue to gain momentum, the collective resolve of communities in Laredo and El Paso remains unwavering. Through advocacy, research, and compassionate care, these border communities stand united in their fight against Alzheimer’s, determined to pave the way for a brighter, dementia-free future.
