074. Why Black and African-American senior communities are more at risk of developing Alzheimer's Disease

Did you know, African Americans are 2x as likely to develop Alzheimer’s as white Americans?

Program Services Coordinator Tanesha Tyler-Carr from the Alzheimer’s Association is back to discuss facts and figures surrounding Alzheimer’s and dementia in the Black community, an especially important topic to discuss during this Black History Month. Many issues factor into the prevalence of dementia, including systemic inequality and access to culturally competent healthcare. She also explains

-Where to find Alzheimer’s resources

-What to do when you see your primary care physician and you don’t feel heard

-New clinical trials and Alzheimer’s Association partnerships geared toward communities of color

-And more

Healthcare is a right for everyone. That’s why it’s important to be aware of healthcare inequalities and disparities among different communities when they access healthcare - and different supportive measures to handle dementia.

Takeaways from this episode:

-48% of Black Americans reported being confident they wouldn’t be able to access culturally competent care.

-It’s important to think of older Black Americans’ experience with healthcare: They grew up during segregation and during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, and their pain has historically (and even currently) been dismissed by healthcare providers.

-Any form of dementia is not a normal part of aging for anyone - specifically, memory loss that is so severe that it disrupts your daily life. Signs also include erratic driving, personality changes and more.

-Trial Match is a clinical trial database offering safe, vetted, up-and-coming treatments and procedures you can sign up for.

Resources mentioned in this episode:

Statistics on Black Americans and Alzheimer’s:

https://www.alz.org/help-support/resources/black-americans-and-alzheimers

Find safe, vetted trial matches for Alzheimer’s patients:

www.alz.org/trialmatch

Get 24/7 support from the Alzheimer’s Association:

1-800-272-3900

Feb 26th 2022 Conference- Hope for Tomorrow - Seminar Registration:

https://alz-org.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_moMYMeinQDWrnRR16lU_rw

New Ideas Study from the Alzheimer's Association:

https://www.alz.org/research/new-ideas-study