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AFRICAN-AMERICANS ARE TWICE AS LIKELY TO HAVE ALZHEIMER’S
DISEASE OR ANOTHER DEMENTIA THAN WHITES
Alzheimer’s Association 10 Warning Signs Help Ensure
Early Detection and Diagnosis
Special to The Truth
As the world’s leading voluntary health organization in
Alzheimer’s care, support and research, the Alzheimer’s
Association is committed to raising awareness of this fatal
brain disease and its warning signs in diverse populations
during Black History Month and year round. According to the
Alzheimer’s Association 2013 Facts and Figures
report, African Americans are about twice as likely to have
Alzheimer's disease or another dementia than whites but less
likely to have a diagnosis.
Many people dismiss the warning signs of Alzheimer's,
believing that they are merely a part of typical aging.
While there are currently no treatments to stop or even slow
the progression of Alzheimer’s, early detection
and diagnosis can allow for earlier use of available
treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help
maintain independence longer.
Delays in diagnosis mean that African Americans are not
getting treatments when they are most likely to be effective
at improving quality of life, as well as taking critical
steps to
educate themselves on Alzheimer’s and establish support
networks. The Alzheimer’s Association provides culturally
and linguistically appropriate resources and materials for
many diverse audiences, such as an African-American web
portal that highlights information and issues that might be
of concern to African Americans.
“The Alzheimer’s Association, Northwest Ohio Chapter is
committed to educating and serving our local community
through our programs and services,” said Nick Vargas,
Development and Communications Director. “We encourage
anyone that is dealing with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
to give us a call at 1-800-272-3900 or visit our website
www.alz.org/nwohio to learn how we can help.”
Alzheimer’s Association 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s
1.
Memory loss that disrupts daily life.
2.
Challenges in planning or solving
problems.
3.
Difficulty completing familiar tasks
at home, at work or at leisure.
4.
Confusion with time or place.
5.
Trouble understanding visual images
and spatial relationships.
6.
New problems with words in speaking or
writing.
7.
Misplacing things and losing the
ability to retrace steps.
8.
Decreased or poor judgment.
9.
Withdrawal from work or social
activities.
10.
Changes in mood and personality.
Alzheimer’s
Association
The Alzheimer's Association is the world’s leading voluntary
health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and
research. Our mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease
through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance
care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of
dementia through the promotion of brain health. Our vision
is a world without Alzheimer’s. For more information, visit
alz.org.
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