ADDRESSING COGNITIVE HEALTH ISSUES AMONG AFRICAN-AMERICANS THROUGH COLLABORATIVE EFFORTS

Le résumé fourni par la source

Alzheimer’s disease is the 4th leading cause of death for older African Americans. This population is two to three times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than other ethnic groups, creating a public health crisis among African American families, caregivers, and communities. The rate of Alzheimer’s among African Americans between the ages of 65 – 74 years old is 9.1, four times higher than the rate of whites in the same age range. Not only are more and more African Americans developing Alzheimer’s but far too many are getting diagnosed in the later stages of disease or not at all. In addition to these disparities, data from long-term studies suggest that high cholesterol, high blood pressure, lack of exercise and diabetes may be important risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s. The consequences of these discoveries are enormous for African Americans because the prevalence of these health conditions are greater among Blacks. Given the complex challenges and barrier to diagnosis, treatment and overall health outcomes, African Americans diagnosed with cognitive impairment are experiencing increased levels of stress due to the financial, emotional/psychological and social stigma. This creates a cyclic environment leading to a population of individuals and their caregivers that will continue to have poorer health outcomes, higher rates of mortality, and decreased engagement with the healthcare system. In response to this growing health crisis, The Balm In Gilead established The National Brain Health Center for African-Americans (NBHCAA) which seeks to raise awareness about the cognitive health issues among African Americans. Through a cooperative agreement with CDC and the Healthy Brain Initiative, the NBHCAA works with its existing networks of faith-based health awareness ministries/programs and new collaborations to develop and implement programs that support the increased education, advocacy, and research participation.

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