Black Brains Matter

Imagine how we would treat our brains if we knew that one day, we would lose all of our precious memories.

Growing up, I never understood the true definition of Alzheimer’s disease. As I’ve shared in previous blogs, I had my first encounter with it at the tender age of 6 years old. I watched as the disease stripped away the memories and dignity of my Grandma Trollie.

I recall my mother trying to assist Grandma Trollie with bathing and grooming, as she would forget how to complete each task. Grandma Trollie would laugh, cry, and constantly fight my mother. How was it that one moment she was screaming, twisting, and pulling, but the very next moment, she was laughing and playing nice?! Grandma Trollie always had a spirited personality about her, but this was not the Grandma Trollie I knew.

These vivid images stuck with me for years to come. What I was being equipped to learn at 6 years old, was the devastating effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Grandma Trollie was not just experiencing simple forgetfulness. It was truly brain failure.

This “brain failure” is more common than one might think. Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer’s disease, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Take a moment to really let that sink in. Roughly, every single minute someone is diagnosed with a brain disease that rips away their brain cells and memories permanently.

Currently, Alzheimer’s disease is the 6^th leading cause of death in the United States. To break that down even further, it is the 4^th leading cause of death among older African Americans. More specifically, African Americans are diagnosed 2x greater than their white counter parts. Research shows that there are multiple risk factors that account for these high diagnosis rates:

• African Americans having higher rates of vascular disease
• African Americans having comorbidities (multiple diagnosis)
• Environmental factors and lower economic status within Black communities
• Lack of accessible resources and knowledge of resources available
• Misunderstanding of the disease and its course
• Missed diagnosis made when visiting a physician

Why Black Brains Matter

Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia not only impact the individual who is living with the disease, but it also has a significant effect on the family dynamic and our Black community. According to the African American Network Against Alzheimer’s , we bear 33% of the national costs of this disease. By 2025 the care costs of Alzheimer’s Disease amongst African Americans are expected to double.

You may be asking, ‘Who pays for the costs of this disease out of pocket, Ash?” Caregivers. African American caregivers provide approximately $43.6 billion annually in unpaid caregiving. So, as this disease bankrupts our National health care system, it also sneakily bankrupts the pockets of our Black community and caregivers.

Also consider the high stressors this disease brings about: Dementia caregivers typically experience higher rates of depression, anxiety, and lower overall wellbeing & satisfaction.

This is why Black Brains Matter.

I knew I was drawn to this cause for a reason. Currently, I advocate & work alongside our caregivers who are caring for a loved one with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease. But that is not enough.

So I ask myself, how would I treat my brain if I knew that one day, I would lose all of my precious memories? How would I change my routine? How would I plan for my future? How would I be proactive with my health care providers? How would I speak up in my Black community and get connected?

I will start changing my habits NOW.

It starts with me!