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African-Americans and Alzheimer's Disease
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Introduction

As we age, most of us eventually notice some slowed thinking and problems remembering certain things. However, serious memory loss, confusion and other major changes in the way our minds work are not a normal part of aging. They could be signs of Alzheimer's disease.

Today more than 5 million people have Alzheimer's. And African-Americans may be at especially high risk for the disease. But there are things you can do. Learn more about Alzheimer's, how you can reduce your risk and how to get stress relief if you are caring for a loved one with dementia.

Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's (AHLZ-high-merz) is a disease that results in the loss of brain cells. It is the most common form of dementia, which is a group of brain disorders that cause confusion and problems with memory, thinking and reasoning.

Alzheimer's is not a part of normal aging. There is no cure, and there is no single test to diagnose it. Alzheimer's gets worse over time. However, there are treatments and medications available to help ease symptoms. If you or a loved one is having major memory problems, see a doctor to find the cause.

Did You Know?
  • African-Americans may have a higher risk for diabetes,*
    a risk factor for Alzheimer's and vascular dementia
  • High blood pressure is more common among African-Americans*
  • A person with high blood pressure or high cholesterol
    may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's
  • African-Americans have a higher rate of vascular dementia*
  • The number of African-Americans entering the age of Alzheimer risk (age 65 or older) is expected to more than double to 6.9 million by 2030

* Compared to White Americans

Alzheimer's disease also makes it harder and harder for people to carry out their daily activities. Family members may have to take on many caregiving responsibilities, from helping the person bathe and eat to making money and legal decisions.

Impact on African-Americans

African-Americans may be more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease.* Some of the possible reasons are that we have higher rates of blood pressure and diabetes, all risk factors for Alzheimer's.

Brochures

However, increasing age is the greatest known risk factor for Alzheimer's. Millions of baby boomers – the first now turning 60 – are nearing the age of greatest risk; by the year 2030, the number of African-Americans 65 or older is expected to more than double to 6.9 million.

Vascular dementia

Vascular dementia is another type of dementia that greatly affects our community. This disorder is caused by strokes or other conditions that directly affect the brain's blood supply.

Risk factors for vascular dementia include high blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes, being overweight and lack of exercise. Because African-Americans are more likely to have vascular disease, we may also be more likely to get vascular dementia.

Work with your doctor to watch out for these conditions and get them under control.

The heart-brain connection

What is good for your heart is good for your brain. Every heartbeat pumps one-fifth of your blood to your brain. Billions of brain cells need the food and oxygen carried by your blood to think, solve problems and remember.

Conditions that damage your heart and blood vessels can threaten brain health. When you take steps to reduce your risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke, you may also reduce your risk for Alzheimer's.

How to be a healthy caregiver - staying strong

If you are caring for a loved one with Alzheimer's or another dementia, the best thing you can do is empower yourself. Learn everything you can about the disease and where to get help and support.

Telling Fact from Fiction

Ideas about what might cause Alzheimer's have been around for a long time. It's important to know that Alzheimer's is not caused by:

  • Aluminum cans, pots or pans 
  • Artificial sweetners
  • A hex or a curse 
  • Too much worrying or thinking 

Understand that a person with Alzheimer's will have clear and lucid moments. They will also behave in unpredictable ways. They are not acting this way on purpose, so try not to take it personally or get upset.

If you feel overwhelmed, take care of yourself. Get connected with your local Alzheimer's Association for information, support and referrals to community services.

Links

Health Power for Minorities - Health Power is committed to improving the health of multicultural populations. It's Web site provides authoritative, user-friendly, culturally relevant health information and promotion messages to improve the health of multicultural populations.