Unveiling the Gap: Critical Alzheimer’s Resources for Latinos and Hispanics in Los Angeles Post-COVID-19

Latinos and Hispanics face a higher risk of Alzheimer’s disease, especially in Los Angeles County, where they make up nearly half the population. A recent study from UCLA Health highlights that digital resources for these communities are still lacking after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, the study examined 15 Alzheimer’s organizations in the county. Researchers found that only a few offered features to help Latino and Hispanic families access necessary resources.

Dr. Mirella Díaz-Santos, the senior author, pointed out that the pandemic has widened the digital divide. “The prevalence of Alzheimer’s in these communities could triple by 2040. Yet, limited access keeps many from finding essential resources. We need to create accessible, culturally relevant digital tools,” said Díaz-Santos, who heads the Equity for Latinx-Hispanic Healthy Aging Lab at UCLA.

The study looked at the websites of top Alzheimer’s organizations to see how they served Spanish-speaking families. The evaluation covered aspects like Spanish-language resources, web accessibility, community engagement, and cultural considerations. The first survey occurred in early 2022, with a follow-up in 2025.

Here’s what the study found:

• In 2022, 4 sites offered Spanish-language services; this increased to 6 by 2025.
• Accessibility tools like font adjustments were available on 5 sites in 2022 but dropped to 4 in 2025.
• Support for family discussions rose from 2 to 3 sites over the same period.
• Barriers such as English-only forms and required email sign-ups continued to hinder access.

While these findings focus on Los Angeles, they reflect a broader challenge that many communities face regarding digital health disparities. According to a report by the Alzheimer’s Association, about 6.7 million people aged 65 and older are living with Alzheimer’s in the U.S., and this number is projected to rise significantly.

Addressing these disparities is essential not only for individuals but for families and communities at large. As digital health solutions evolve, ensuring they are accessible to all will be vital in tackling health inequalities.

For more detailed insights into this topic, you can refer to the full study here.

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