Alzheimer’s at Home: Breaking the Silence and Building Support Networks in Massachusetts
Alzheimer’s is much more than a disease; it’s a global challenge affecting millions of families and communities. In 2025, advancements in detection and treatment offer new hope.
However, access barriers and high costs continue to limit their reach, especially among minorities like Hispanic and African-American communities.
Early detection is a key element in changing the course of the disease.
With the development of biomarker-based tests and new medications that slow its progression, it’s now more essential than ever to:
- Increase awareness,
- Break down stigmas,
- Ensure these advancements reach those who need them most.
What Is Alzheimer’s and How Is It Different from Dementia?
Dementia is a general term describing a variety of symptoms related to the decline in memory, thinking, and reasoning. Among the types of dementia, Alzheimer’s is the most common, accounting for 60% to 80% of cases.
An important point is to differentiate between normal age-related changes and Alzheimer’s symptoms. For example, it’s normal to occasionally forget a name or need a reminder for simple tasks. However, if memory loss interferes with daily life, it could be a warning sign. This includes forgetting recent conversations, getting lost in familiar places, or showing difficulty completing known tasks.
Alzheimer’s: Early Warning Signs
The first symptoms of Alzheimer’s can be subtle and easy to confuse with normal aging. Some signs include:
- Memory loss affecting daily life: forgetting newly learned information, important dates, or relying excessively on reminders.
- Difficulty solving problems or planning: struggling with simple tasks like managing finances or following a recipe.
- Confusion with time and place: getting lost in familiar locations or not remembering how one got somewhere.
- Problems with language: difficulty finding the right words or following conversations.
- Changes in judgment and decision-making: making unusual choices with money or neglecting personal hygiene.
- Social isolation: avoiding social or work activities due to difficulty interacting.
If you notice these signs in yourself or a loved one, it’s important to seek medical evaluation. An early diagnosis can make a difference in quality of life and future planning.
Heartfelt Stories: A Conversation on Alzheimer’s and Family Caregiving
Leonor Buitrago and Héctor Montesinos shared their experience caring for their grandmother Ana, who lived with Alzheimer’s for several years.
Buitrago is the Diversity and Community Outreach Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association of Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and Montesinos is a member of the association’s Executive Board and an experienced caregiver.
Through their story, they highlighted the importance of patience, love, and preparation to face the daily challenges that come with this disease.
They also emphasized how the support of organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association was key to navigating this stage of their lives.
Alzheimer’s in 2025: Prevalence, Advances, and Challenges
Key highlights on Alzheimer’s and early detection
Source: 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures and 2025 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures Special Report
- Prevalence: Alzheimer’s accounts for 60% to 80% of dementia cases in the U.S., making it the most common cause.
- Risk factors: Include advanced age, genetic predisposition, obesity, and midlife hypertension.
- Impact on minorities: African Americans and Latinos face greater access barriers and lower insurance coverage.
- Caregivers: Over 11 million people in the U.S. provide unpaid care, resulting in a significant economic impact.
- Cost of care: Alzheimer’s costs over $300 billion annually in the U.S., with significant expenses for Medicare and Medicaid.
Early detection and treatments
- Importance of detection: 99% of Americans consider an early diagnosis crucial for planning and improving quality of life.
- Therapeutic advances: In medications that slow decline in early stages.
- Biomarkers: Blood tests promise rapid and accessible diagnoses, although they are still undergoing clinical validation.
- Barriers: Scarcity of specialists, high costs, and lack of coverage hinder timely diagnoses.
- Emotional benefits: Early detection reduces anxiety, encourages financial planning, and promotes healthy behaviors.
- Future outlook: 81% of Americans expect treatments to halt Alzheimer’s progression within the next 10 years.
These key points underscore the urgency of prioritizing early diagnosis, driving therapeutic advances, and ensuring equitable access to resources and treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions about Alzheimer’s
Does Alzheimer’s only affect older people?
While the risk increases with age, Alzheimer’s can also occur in younger adults, usually before age 65. This is known as early-onset Alzheimer’s.
Is this disease hereditary?
Having a close family member with Alzheimer’s increases your risk, but it does not mean you will inevitably develop it. Genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors play an important role.
Is there a cure for Alzheimer’s?
Currently, there is no cure, but there are treatments available that can alleviate some symptoms and improve quality of life. Additionally, promising research on new therapies is ongoing.
How can I prevent Alzheimer’s?
While there’s no guaranteed way to prevent it, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can reduce the risk. This includes regular exercise, a balanced diet, managing chronic diseases like diabetes, and engaging in brain-stimulating activities, such as reading or learning something new.
When should I seek help?
Talking to a doctor is the first step. An early diagnosis not only allows access to treatments that can slow the progression of symptoms but also provides time for future planning and access to support resources. The Alzheimer’s Association offers a free 24/7 helpline. Contact: 800-272-3900.
Available Resources for the Hispanic Community in Massachusetts
We know that many families face cultural, economic, and linguistic barriers to accessing services. Therefore, we work to ensure that our community has access to:
- Alzheimer’s Association, Massachusetts and New Hampshire
- Official page: www.alz.org/manh
- 24/7 Helpline: 1-800-272-3900
- Offers educational programs, support groups, and counseling services in Spanish.
- Massachusetts General Hospital Memory Disorders Unit
- Specialists in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and management.
- More information: www.massgeneral.org
- Caregiver Support Services
- Family Caregiver Support Program: free state resources for caregivers.
- Official page: www.mass.gov
- Community Support Circles
- Local organizations like Ethos and ABCD offer culturally specific support services.
- More information: www.ethocare.org, www.bostonabcd.org
No One Is Alone in the Fight Against Alzheimer’s
In our culture, we often tend to keep these topics silent due to fear of stigma. However, educating ourselves and openly discussing Alzheimer’s is the first step to breaking down barriers; no one should face this disease alone.
Help is available: https://myhealthfair.com/booths/alzheimer-assoc/