Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are the fastest growing minority group in America, and between 2010 and 2030, the AAPI older adult population is projected to increase by 145 percent. This growth will also impact the number of AAPI older adults with Alzheimer’s: For example, during this time frame, California, which is home to the nation’s largest population of AAPI older adults, expects Alzheimer’s disease to nearly triple among AAPIs.
Many AAPIs do not report symptoms of dementia to a medical professional and consequently, AAPIs are unlikely to receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease in the early stage. AAPI families may underestimate the physical and emotional toll daily caregiving for a loved one with dementia can take on them. Developed through a national partnership between The National Asian Pacific Center on Aging (NAPCA) and the Alzheimer’s Association, Strengthening Community-Based Services for Asian American and Pacific Islanders Affected by Dementia was developed. This guide is intended to educate and empower community service providers by providing five steps to increase AAPIs’ use of services in their communities.