Promoting Cognitive Health and Early Intervention among Latino Older Adults in a Midwest Micropolitan Setting
Jessica Duffy, BS, EMT, Des Moines University
Dr. Jimmy Reyes, PhD, DNP, AGNP, RN, FRE, University of Northern Iowa
Dr. Yogesh Shah, MD, MPH, FAAFP, Broadlawns Medical Center
Abstract:
Background: At initial dementia diagnosis racial and ethnic minorities show increased impairments
and more severe symptoms. This may suggest their diagnosis occurs at a later disease stage.1
Hispanics are 1.5 times more likely to develop AD and other dementias.2, 3, 4 Delayed and
misdiagnosis contributes to increased burdens.5 Early awareness and intervention may allow for
financial planning, management of symptoms, and counseling to decrease the emotional burden.6
The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of early cognitive screening among Latino
adults using the Mini-Cog assessment tool in a Midwest Spanish-speaking micropolitan community.
The goal of the study is to promote community health awareness through trusted community
resources, identify early cognitive impairment, and provide early intervention.
Methods: For this study we partnered with Broadlawns Medical Center, University of Northern Iowa,
and Polk County Health Department. At each of three sessions a 15-minute educational presentation
was conducted in Spanish by trusted and trained Latino community health workers (CHWs). After
the educational presentation participants were allowed to ask questions. Participants over the age of
fifty years were given the opportunity to take the Mini-Cog assessment. The Mini-Cog assessment
tool was administered by the CHWs at all three community events. In addition, CHWs gathered
participant demographic data including age, gender, ethnicity, socioeconomic background, and
caregiving status. These sessions were held at a local church with a predominantly Hispanic
congregation. The location was chosen in hopes of increasing participant comfort and decreasing
transportation challenges. The educational and screening sessions were promoted through local
churches and social media. If memory concerns were present during the Mini-Cog assessment,
participants were given resources to address such concerns with a physician, including an option for
free services through a local free clinic. The Plan-Do-Study-Act cycle was employed to structure the
implementation process.
Results: A total of thirty-five participants attended the three educational sessions. A total of ten
participants over the age of fifty underwent the Mini-Cog screening. All participants identified as
Latino with an age distribution ranging from thirty to over sixty years of age. The majority of
participants identified as female and a significant portion of participants came from a background
that was economically or educationally disadvantaged. These results indicate a need for better
awareness of cognitive health and additional resources for cognitive health in the Latino community.
Conclusion: The study amplified the importance of culturally competent healthcare services in
underserved communities. In these communities, early identification of cognitive impairment coupled
with timely intervention has the potential to improve health outcomes in the future. The study also
emphasized the significance and effectiveness of CHWs in community engagement, maintenance of
confidentiality, and the security of data obtained. Future efforts should focus on expanding the
program to more participants, including other minorities, and addressing social and logistical
challenges to participation to enhance the impact of the study.
References:
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