LatinaLista — There are a lot of things that keep Latinos awake at night: job insecurity, food insecurity, racial profiling by law enforcement and every-day discrimination.
It’s any wonder most of us get any good sleep. And according to a new study, not many of us are, and that spells trouble for our quality of life in the future.
Not getting a good night’s sleep or experiencing insomnia or even getting too much sleep are leading risk factors for developing Alzheimers or a type of dementia. Latinos have a significantly higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease compared to other groups, according to the study’s lead author Dr. Alberto R. Ramos, an associate professor of neurology at the University of Miami’s Miller School
Because the Latino population is the second fastest-growing racial/ethnic group in the country, the Center for Disease Control projects that the Latino population will see the largest increase in developing Alzheimer’s or other types of dementia. In fact, the CDC estimates that by 2060 3.2 million Latinos will be afflicted.
So, what can be done? Should we accept our fate and live to the fullest now, while we can remember? Or should we be taking proactive steps?
While the study doesn’t address any kind of preventative measures, the AD Foundation, a nonprofit founded with the sole mission of preventing Alzheimer’s, reminds people that Alzheimer’s is a disease and, like with all diseases, life modifications can help ward off the disease, if not fully prevent it.
The AD Foundation shares several recommendations that include the Best Dietary Supplements, Keep Physically Fit, the Right Nutrition, and Work the Mind.
Dr. Ramos told the Miami Herald that he hopes the study triggers a “change of culture” and makes people more aware that getting the right amount of sleep is just as important as what they eat and how much exercise they get.
