A UCLA Health study has found that digital resources for Alzheimer’s disease remain limited for Latino and Hispanic communities in Los Angeles, despite these groups being at higher risk for the condition and making up nearly half of the county’s population.
The research, published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research, reviewed 15 websites from leading Alzheimer’s organizations in Los Angeles County. The study looked at whether these sites provided Spanish-language services, web accessibility tools, support for family-centered care models known as “familismo,” and addressed linguistic or cultural barriers.
According to senior author Díaz-Santos, director and founder at the UCLA Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care, “The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in Latino and Hispanic communities is estimated to triple by 2040. Yet, the digital divide keeps too many families from accessing essential Alzheimer’s resources. It is critical that we develop accessible, culturally competent digital solutions to close this gap.”
Researchers first surveyed these websites in early 2022 and conducted a follow-up evaluation in early 2025. They found some progress but also setbacks:
– In 2022, only four sites offered Spanish-language services; by 2025 this increased to six.
– Five sites had web accessibility tools such as font size adjustments or screen reader compatibility in 2022; this dropped to four by 2025.
– Two included support for familial dialogue or community-based approaches in 2022; three did so by 2025.
– Structural barriers like required email sign-ups, English-only forms, and limited Spanish-speaking staff continued to hinder access.
While focused on Los Angeles institutions—including UCLA—the findings illustrate broader challenges faced by high-risk populations seeking health information online. The study suggests targeted efforts are needed to improve digital health equity among Latino and Hispanic families affected by Alzheimer’s disease.
“The prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease in Latino and Hispanic communities is estimated to triple by 2040. Yet, the digital divide keeps too many families from accessing essential Alzheimer’s resources,” said Díaz-Santos. “It is critical that we develop accessible, culturally competent digital solutions to close this gap.”
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