Alzheimer’s Disease and the Minority Community:
Making the Connection
Regina McDonald, MSW, LSW
Multicultural Outreach Coordinator
As the Multicultural Outreach Coordinator, one of my responsibilities is to educate and connect the African-American/Black and Hispanic/Latino families affected by Alzheimer's Disease to programs and services of the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati.
Did you know that Age is the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's Disease? There are 2.7 million African-Americans age 65 and over in this country and by the year 2050, it is projected that this number will increase to 8.6 million. The life expectancy of Hispanics will increase to age 87 by 2050, surpassing all other ethnic groups in the United States.
Did you know high blood pressure and high cholesterol occur more frequently in African-Americans? Vascular diseases disproportionately affect African-Americans and therefore increase their rate for developing Alzheimer's Disease. Hispanics also have high rates of vascular disease, which put them at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease. Due to disparities in health coverage both the African-American and Hispanic Community are less likely to receive medical services need to monitor and control vascular conditions that may lead to Alzheimer's Disease.
We can work together to bring about awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's disease not only in the African-Americans/Black and Hispanic/Latino communities but in all ethnic minority communities.
If you are interested in having a Community Education program at your church, senior center, or other organization in the Greater Cincinnati area, please contact me at 513-721-4284, ext. 102 or by email at regina.mcdonald@alz.org.
African-American Caregiver Support Group
Location:
Bethel Baptist Church
2712 Alms Place
Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Walnut Hills)
Dates:
This group meets regularly on the third Monday of each month from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.
Contact:
Group Facilitator: Regina McDonald, MSW, LSW, 513-721-4284
Church phone for directions: 513-961-0804
African-American Family Caregiver Forum
This half-day education forum on Friday, November 6, 2009 focuses on the implications that Alzheimer’s disease has for African-American families. The keynote presentation by Dr. Orson Austin will address the connection between Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes within the African-American community. A panel of family caregivers, moderated by Dr. Robyn Chatman, will discuss the unique journey of women caring for relatives with Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia. Exhibitors from various community service agencies will be available to answer questions as well. Click here for more information about the African-American Family Caregiver Forum.
Various programs and services of the Alzheimer's Association are funded in part by the Ohio Department of Aging through the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio and the Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. All services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or ancestry.
