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Latinos' appraisals of and responses to memory problems
Karolynn Siegel1, María Cabán1, John B Wetmore1,2
1Columbia University Mailman School of Public Health, New York, NY, USA.
Journal of Health Psychology
|May 11, 2026
Summary
Latino adults often normalize subjective memory complaints (SMC), using coping strategies rather than seeking medical help. This impacts understanding early Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk factors in this growing demographic.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Gerontology
- Public Health
Background:
- Alzheimer's disease (AD) research seeks early detection markers.
- Subjective memory complaints (SMC) in cognitively normal individuals are a focus.
- AD cases are projected to rise significantly among the Latino population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore illness perceptions and behaviors related to SMC in middle-aged Latinos.
- To understand how Latinos cope with and seek help for perceived memory decline.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving 54 Latinos (ages 40-64).
- Semi-structured interviews explored causes, consequences, coping, and medical help-seeking for SMC.
- Participants had received information about their AD risk.
Main Results:
- Most participants attributed SMC to benign causes or normalized them.
- Many utilized compensatory strategies to manage SMC's impact.
- Few participants discussed their SMC with a healthcare provider.
Conclusions:
- Latino adults often normalize SMC, employing self-management strategies.
- This illness behavior may influence early detection and intervention for AD risk in this population.
- Further research is needed to understand culturally specific approaches to cognitive health.
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