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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.
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* Compared to Caucasian 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.
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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.
* African-Americans and Alzheimer's (7 pages)
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
Your heart works hard. So does your brain. Every heartbeat pumps about one-fifth of your blood to your brain. Your brain cells need the oxygen and nutrients carried by your blood so you can think clearly, speak and remember.
Conditions that damage your heart and blood vessels can interfere with the brain’s vital supply lines. Many risk factors for heart disease and stroke also threaten brain health:
- High blood pressure
- Being overweight
- High cholesterol
- Lack of exercise
- Diabetes (high blood sugar)
We know that African-Americans have a higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressureand other cardiovascular risk factors. Partner with your doctor to watch for early warning signs of these conditions so you can get them under control.
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 |
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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:
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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.
