Celebrating Black History

The Alzheimer's Association salutes Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Hubert L. "Hooks" Jones Chapter

The Alzheimer's Association and Colorado Tuskegee Airman Chapter are showing our commitment to the community by providing information and support for all those affected by Alzheimer's in the African-American community.

Many Americans dismiss the warning signs of Alzheimer's, believing that these symptoms are a part of normal aging. They are diagnosed too late and miss the opportunity to get the best care possible. This is of even greater concern for African-Americans, who are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than other populations.

African-Americans have a higher rate of vascular disease (diseases involving blood vessels, including heart attack and stroke) – one of the suspected risk factors of Alzheimer's disease. By working together, we hope to reduce these risk factors and reverse the growing trend of Alzheimer's disease among African-Americans.

You're Invited to a Special Program
In partnership with Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Hubert L. “Hooks” Jones Colorado Chapter and Black American West Museum   
Saturday, March 24, 2012
noon-3:30 pm 
Alzheimer's Association Colorado Chapter 
455 Sherman St. #500
Denver, CO 80203
A light lunch will be provided

Please RSVP because space is limited. Call the Alzheimer's Association at 303.813.1669 or click here to reserve your space today.

African-Americans Leading the way

Solomon Carter Fuller, M.D., was one of the first known black psychiatrists and worked alongside Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who first discovered the traits of Alzheimer's disease in 1901.

Special report on race, ethnicity and Alzheimer's disease shown in 2010 Alzheimer's Facts and Figures

Brain health, heart health and African Americans

Your heart works hard. So does your brain. Every heartbeat pumps about one-fifth of your blood to your brain. Your brain cells need the oxygen and nutrients carried by your blood so you can think clearly, speak and remember.

Conditions that damage your heart and blood vessels can interfere with the brain’s vital supply lines. Many risk factors for heart disease and stroke also threaten brain health:   

• High blood pressure
• Being overweight
• High cholesterol
• Lack of exercise
• Diabetes (high blood sugar)

We know that African-Americans have a higher risk for diabetes, high blood pressureand other cardiovascular risk factors. Partner with your doctor to watch for early warning signs of these conditions so you can get them under control.

Brain health, heart health fact sheet

More about brain health

Coming in February and March 2012:

African American Caregiver Support Group
Wednesday, February 8, 2012, 6:00 pm-7:30 pm
Black American West Museum 3091 California Street

African American Advisory Committee Meeting
Friday, February 17, 2012, 8:15 am-9:15 am
Black history bio of Dr. Solomon Carter Fuller and heart disease facts regarding African Americans will be shared

Alzheimer’s display at the Black American West Museum regarding African Americans.

Memory Loss & Heart Disease: Is There A Link presentation
Zion Temple Church for the Living Well in Community program
Saturday, February 18, 2012 at 8:30 am,  1600 Syracuse Street, Denver

Alzheimer’s Association Rosalyn Reese is a Guest on KLDC Gospel Radio 1220
Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 4 pm.

Alzheimer’s Association invited by Congresswoman Diana DeGette to attend the African American Community Leadership Luncheon
Wednesday, February 22, 2012, from 11:30 am-1:00 pm
Park hill Golf Club, 4141 E. 35th Ave., Denver

Special Presentation
In collaboration with the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc., Hubert L. “Hooks” Jones Colorado Chapter and the Black American West Museum
In honor of Black History Month and Women’s History Month
Saturday, March 24, 2012 from noon-3:30 pm.
RSVP required to Rosalyn.Reese@alz.org

Understanding Memory Loss and Dementia
Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of aging. Learn the differences between Alzheimer's, other dementias and normal memory loss.  You will learn about the Alzheimer's disease process, the programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Association and the community resources available.

Alzheimer’s Basics
What are the differences between Alzheimer’s, other dementias and normal memory loss due to aging?  Learn about the Alzheimer’s disease process, the programs offered by the Colorado Chapter and the community resources available.

Memory Loss, Diabetes & Heart Disease: Is there a link?
Latinos and African Americans have the highest incidences of diabetes and heart disease. If you have Type II diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are at risk of developing any of these or of stroke, this session is for you. Learn about the importance of good brain health in an effort to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s.

Know the 10 Signs
This program offers information about the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer’s. Learn what to look, and how to distinguish what is typical from what is not.

Caregiving Tips: Successful Communication
The ability to communicate effectively with your loved one can make your job as a caregiver easier and increase the quality of life and safety for the person with dementia. This class covers successful communication skills for interacting with people with dementia.

Maintain Your Brain
Learn more about your brain and how to keep it fit.

African American Caregiver Support Groups
For African-American caregivers, family or friends who deal with the daily challenges of caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias we provide support and encouragement in a confidential setting and at no cost.  Meet other African-American caregivers and learn more about the disease, caregiving issues, and suggestions on how to take care of yourself. 

Denver
2nd Wedensday of every month, 6:00 p.m.
Black American West Museum
3091 California Street
303-813-1669 ext. 219 for more information

Colorado Springs
2nd Wednesday of every month, 6:30 p.m.
Penrose Public Library
20 N. Cascade Ave
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719-266-8773 for more information