PHX Reporter

TUCSON — In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, Banner Alzheimer's Institute in Tucson will host a free community senior health fair focused on brain health and Alzheimer’s disease prevention and treatment. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 17 at Kino Sports Complex, 2500 E. Ajo Way.

Dr. Steven Rapcsak, a neurologist from Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, will discuss factors that may contribute to the higher incidence of Alzheimer's in Hispanics and ways to reduce that risk. The event will include health education and wellness resources and services available in the community.

Research from the National Council on Aging indicates that Latinos may be 50 percent more likely to develop Alzheimer’s but are less likely to pursue treatment for the disease, resulting in poor health outcomes.

“With the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease on the rise, we are committed to continuing our efforts to end Alzheimer’s disease through early detection, state-of-the-art treatment, and research. We welcome the community to join us on Sept. 17 and take advantage of this event and learn about health resources available in our community,” Dr. Rapcsak said.

At least one in ten Hispanics aged 65 or older have Alzheimer's or another dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Yet Latinos make up only two percent of participants in clinical trials on Alzheimer's and related dementias, according to the National Institutes of Health.

The senior health fair aims to help the community gain knowledge and learn how to take an active role in brain health and overall wellbeing.

To register for the event, visit https://tinyurl.com/mwkwt5.

Since its inception in 2006, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute has sought effective therapies for Alzheimer's disease prevention without losing another generation. It aims to establish a new model of dementia care for patients and family caregivers while forging new models of collaboration in biomedical research. The institute has made significant contributions toward early detection, tracking, diagnosis, and study of Alzheimer’s with an aim to find an effective prevention therapy by 2025. Its initiatives include the pioneering Alzheimer’s Prevention Initiative, extensive research studies and clinical trials, comprehensive clinical services for families and communities, a leading brain imaging research program, and strategic partnerships with public and private research organizations globally.

Learn more at www.bannerhealth.com/Alzheimers.