Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA) Series

The Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging (SALSA) project is tracking the incidence of physical and cognitive impairment as well as dementia and cardiovascular diseases in elderly Latinos in the Sacramento region. The effects of hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular risk factors, such as nutrition and lifestyle factors, are also being examined. The study is funded with a $3 million grant from the National Institute of Aging. The SALSA study aims to: (1) assess cognitive, physical and social functions, which include the ability to follow instructions, to perform certain movements, and to interact with others, (2) examine the effect that cultural, nutritional, social and cardiovascular risk factors have on overall health and dementia, (3) examine the association between diabetes and functional status, and (4) estimate the prevalence and incidence of dementia in the Latino population in the Sacramento area.