 In March, the Alzheimer’s Association issued a report,
2007 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures, documenting
approximately 500,000 Americans younger
than age 65 with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and other
dementias, and an over-all population increase of late
onset of 10%. 5.1 million Americans now have AD.
What does this mean for African-Americans? We are
reported to possibly have a higher incidence of the disease than the general
population. African-Americans also have a higher incidence of the diseases
which may have a correlation to dementia, such as high blood pressure, stroke,
diabetes and obesity.
This information provides the basis for our outreach to the African-American
community. Our goal is to encourage families to seek an early diagnosis.
Many people with AD seek treatment in the later stages of the disease.
However, we observe that early diagnosis means an opportunity for the
person with the disease (PWD) to begin treatment sooner and to be involved
in planning for their future. Though the medications that are available do not
cure the disease—there is no cure at this time—they may decrease the severity
of the the symptoms for a period of time. At the Chapter’s recent Early Stage
Memory Disorders Forum, some members of early stage support groups who
were taking these FDA approved medications stated that the symptoms they
were experiencing had slowed, and their thinking was clearer.
When I speak with groups in the African-American community, I emphasize
the points that have been most compelling for me. One—early diagnosis offers
the advantages I mentioned above. Two—early diagnosis is also vitally important
for the caregiver, since caring for a person with dementia can be
increasingly demanding and stressful as the disease progresses. Three—educational
meetings and support groups have been a lifeline for many who have
participated in them, helping families learn about the resources that are crucial
to dealing effectively with the PWD, and to realize that they are not alone in
a difficult and often heart wrenching experience.
During the past three months, we welcomed the opportunities to speak at
several organizations including the regional meeting of the National
Association of Negro Business and Professional Women, St. Aloysius Roman
Catholic Church health ministry, and the National Association of Black Social
Workers NYC meeting.
I am especially pleased that the Chapter has become a member of the Greater
Harlem Chamber of Commerce and will use their resources—placing
information on their Web site and sending e-mails to their membership—as
another way to help raise public awareness about the looming crisis of
Alzheimer’s and for ways to get involved.
African-American Outreach is interested in hearing from you. Please contact me at 646-744-2922 or rirving@alznyc.org if you are a member of or know organizations where we could speak about Alzheimer’s disease and the resources available at the NYC Chapter.
— Rosemary Irving,
Manager, African-American Outreach
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