African Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or other dementias compared to older whites. In fact, black people have more than a 50% likelihood of developing high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and type 2 diabetes… a few of the risk factors associated with developing Alzheimer’s. Other risk factors include heart disease and lack of exercise. The “Alzheimer’s epidemic” is so prevalent that in Los Angeles, the number of African Americans living with the disease is expected to grow 30% by 2030!

Due to limited doctor visits, Alzheimer’s is underreported in the black population and diagnosis often occurs at a much later stage of the disease. People are not getting the help they need, and families struggle on their own. Many miss the opportunity for the treatments that now exist which are most effective in the early stages of the disease.

Alzheimer’s places an emotional, physical, and financial stress on those who are taking care of their loved ones. It is a progressive disease in which you notice challenging unusual or unpredictable behaviors. The demands of day-to-day care, changes in family roles, and decisions about placement in a care facility can all be difficult.