African-Americans are twice as likely to get Alzheimer’s disease compared to whites. Often though, as a community African-Americans have challenges finding resources and knowing how to address the stigma of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
In our conversations with those living with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia and their caregivers from the African American community, here are issues shared:
- It can be hard to feel comfortable in sharing the diagnosis of dementia.
- It can be hard to talk about dementia in the extended family.
- It is hard to know what resources are available.
- What are the first steps when recognizing a problem or after a diagnosis?
- The history of being underserved and exploited in health programs can lead to a suspicion of public health awareness campaigns.
- How do you get support?
- How does nutrition have an impact?
- What are ways to find positive activities?
- How do you make financial and legal plans?
- Where do you find care in the home?
- How do you find residential care?
If you are in the African American community and living with Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia in Illinois, we would like to hear from you. What are issues, concerns or experiences you would want to share with others in our state? The same is true if you are a caregiver to someone living with dementia. What would you want to share with others?