AARP Eye Center
Marissa Larma works as the multicultural outreach coordinator for the Alzheimer's Association of Colorado.
As an association, it is very interested in increasing its outreach, awareness and services for Latino families affected by Alzheimer's disease, she said.
Latinos are at risk for developing Alzheimer's disease at a rate of one and a half times higher than the general population, Larma said, quoting Alzheimer’s Association data. To compound this, Latinos are one of the last groups diagnosed with the disease, she said, often suffering in silence for years without any intervention.
Many caregivers experience an extraordinary amount of stress associated with caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's disease, the most common form of dementia. The Alzheimer’s Association is available to work with families, offering hope and support.
The Alzheimer's Association offers free educational classes, support groups -- offered in Spanish and English--care consultations and safety services for wandering loved ones as well as a free 24-hour helpline with language services.
“The Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado has much to offer the Latino community,” said Angela Cortez, AARP Colorado communications director. “Marissa Larma is available to help bring more awareness to the community, and it is of paramount importance that we take advantage of this valuable information.”
On September 21, 2013, the Alzheimer's Association will hold its annual Walk to End Alzheimer's in Denver's City Park. The Alzheimer’s Association would like to invite you to join in to help end this devastating disease. Register with the Latino Group: Caminando Juntos by clicking on the link below:
http://bit.ly/17NNlRt
Contact the Alzheimer's Association free helpline at 800-272-3900. And for information on multicultural and bilingual services, contact Marissa V. Larma at 303-813-1669 or mlarma@alz.org.*
*This is not an AARP event. Any information you provide to the host organization will be governed by its privacy policy.
About AARP Colorado
Contact information and more from your state office. Learn what we are doing to champion social change and help you live your best life.