Studies show that African Americans
have a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s,
but they are less likely
to be diagnosed, seek help and assistance
from family members, and
participate in critical research trials,
primarily due to stigma and cultural
myths on aging and memory loss.
Alzheimer’s and African Americans
Caribbean Life, F BQ eb. 15–21, 2019 43
Wellness
Today, an estimated 5.7-million
Americans are living with Alzheimer’s,
20 percent of whom are
African American, according to the
organization Us Against Alzheimer’s.
February is a time to celebrate the
rich history and contributions of African
Americans, like that of Dr. Solomon
Carter Fuller, the fi rst known
African-American psychiatrist in
America and early pioneer in the
fi ght against Alzheimer’s. Dr. Fuller
worked alongside Dr. Alois Alzheimer
in identifying the disease. This month
is also an opportune time to refl ect on
important issues that affect this community.
Alzheimer’s is one of those issues.
Alzheimer’s disease is an irreversible,
degenerative brain disorder that
slowly destroys memory and thinking
skills and, eventually, the ability to
carry out the simplest tasks. According
to Us Against Alzheimer’s, it is
the most common cause of dementia
among older adults and is the fourth
leading cause of death for older African
Americans. And, according to
several studies, older African Americans
develop dementia at twice the
rate of older Caucasians, the organization
notes.
Yet, we know that African Americans
are less likely to be diagnosed,
seek help and assistance for family
members, and participate in critical
research trials, primarily due to
stigma and cultural myths on aging
and memory loss.
Early detection is crucial. If you
are concerned about changes in memory
and thinking, or if changes in behavior
or mood do not seem normal in
yourself or a family member, talk with
a doctor. A doctor can administer a
brief memory-screening test that can
help detect problems, and can also do a
complete exam to fi nd out if a physical
or mental-health issue is causing the
problem. Early, accurate diagnosis is
benefi cial for several reasons. Beginning
treatment early in the disease
process may help preserve daily functioning
for some time, even though the
underlying Alzheimer’s process cannot
be stopped or reversed.
No one needs to do this alone. CaringKind
has made it a priority to recognize
and address how our city’s
cultural diversity requires personalized,
culturally sensitive caregiver
support services. We have a designated
outreach manager dedicated to
meet the specifi c needs of the African-
American community. Furthermore,
throughout the year, CaringKind
hosts free Understanding Dementia
seminars, as well as family and professional
caregiver trainings, and legal
and fi nancial workshops. These
education and training opportunities
equip caregivers with the skills and
information needed to navigate every
stage of dementia caregiving.
And, every single day, CaringKind
offers our 24-hour Helpline in 200 languages,
providing access to trained
professionals that can provide information,
education, and emotional support
via phone or e-mail. CaringKind
is the only organization in New York
City with more than 40 years of experience
providing comprehensive, personalized
systems of support.
We understand that services need
to be provided in a culturally appropriate
manner, and that sensitivity
is a necessary part of an Alzheimer’s
care plan. To learn more about CaringKind’s
free, culturally-diverse programs
and initiatives, or any topic
related to Alzheimer’s disease or a
related dementia, call CaringKind’s
24-hour Helpline at (646) 744–2900 or
e-mail us at helpline@caringkindnyc.
org.
For more, visit www.usagainstalzheimers.
org/networks/african-americans.
Jed A. Levine is the President
and CEO at Caring Kind.
Care
Chronicle
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