It is estimated that about 6.5 million older adults in the United States aged 65 and above are currently living with Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Aging is the greatest contributing risk factor for developing AD, which disproportionately affects minoritized populations. Other contributing factors include low socioeconomic status and higher prevalence of diabetes, obesity, and cardiovascular diseases. Bexar County has been listed as having the seventh largest prevalence of AD in Texas, with 13% of individuals aged 65+ currently living with AD. Primary care providers are typically the initial point of contact in the care management domain and thus have a critical role in proactive guidance and care for older adults. Programs that strengthen the capacity of providers in evidence-based implementation methods can help identify the needs of the target community and build an effective healthcare system. Unfortunately, there is a dearth of programs to help prepare health practitioners to address knowledge gaps in nutrition and aging amongst older adults in Latino communities.
Study Team:
Vidya Sharma, PhD, RD, LD, CDCES
PI
vidya.sharma@utsa.edu
Sara Masoud, PhD, MPH
Co-I
masoud@uthscsa.edu
Angelica Davila, MD
Co-I
davilaA3@uthscsa.edu
Caitlin Sangdahl, BS
Research Coordinator
sangdahl@uthscsa.edu