Perceptions of and Knowledge Acquisition about Brain Health and Aging among Latin American Immigrants:A QualitativePaper

ABSTRACT

Objectives

Older immigrants of Latin American descent are disproportionately impacted by dementia, yet little is known about their dementia- and brain health-related knowledge. We explored perspectives on brain health and aging in this population to inform the development of culturally-relevant interventions.

Methods

Individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 30 Spanish-speaking immigrants over 60. Questions addressed knowledge about the brain, perceptions of healthy and unhealthy aging, ideas of how to take care of one’s brain, and where knowledge was acquired. Responses were analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results

The following themes emerged: (1) Descriptions of the brain varied, from anatomy, cognition, and psychology to disease. (2) Perceptions of healthy aging included independence, memory, emotions, and orientation. (3) Ideas of how to care for the brain included physical, social, and cognitive engagement. (4) Knowledge was acquired in childhood, communities, healthcare settings, careers, and media.

Conclusions

Results showed significant variability in knowledge. Findings may be leveraged to improve interventions that address brain health literacy disparities among older Latin American immigrants.

Clinical Implications

Takeaways involve increasing education about the structure and functions of the brain, promoting realistic understandings of what nonnormative brain aging entails, and increasing knowledge of empirically-supported maintenance approaches. Dissemination may be increased via healthcare providers, community centers, churches, and media.

KEYWORDS:

• Qualitative research
• aging
• dementia
• brain health
• immigrant health

Data availability statement

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author, SWL, upon reasonable request.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The study was supported by funding from a Global Brain Health Institute and Alzheimer’s Association pilot grant (543717). Dr. Sideman’s time was also supported by the National Institute on Aging (K01AG059840) and the California State Alzheimer’s Disease program (19-10615). The authors report no conflicts with any product mentioned or concept discussed in this article. The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon request.