African-Americans Are Twice As Likely To Have Alzheimer’s Disease Or Another Dementia Than Whites

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. - Feb. 4, 2014 - PRLog -- 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.

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.

For more information on the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s disease and available resources, call the Alzheimer’s Association toll-free, 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900 or visit alz.org.

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 (http://www.alz.org/).