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Understanding Alzheimer's: A Guide for the Black Community

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SOURCES1. National Institute on Aging, 20212. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20193. National Institute on Aging, 20224. Alzheimer’s Association, 20245 .Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024CABWHP.ORGUNDERSTANDINGALZHEIMER’S: inability to communicateunaware of what’s happened recently orsurroundingslosing weight and little interest in eatinghaving seizuresoverall physical decline, including issueswith teeth, skin and feetdifficulty swallowing food or drinksgroaning, moaning or gruntingSleeping more than usualLosing control over bowel and bladderfunctionsCalifornia Black Women’s Health Project(CABWHP) is the only statewide, non-profitorganization that is solely committed to improving the health of California's 1.2 millionBlack women and girls, from preconception toaging, through advocacy, education, outreachand policy. CABWHP recognizes the urgentand increasing need to address the growingimpact Alzheimer's has on Black families andcommunities. CABWHP is devoted to providingsupport, resources and education to thoseaffected by Alzheimer's and Black women onthe aging journey. Through education, SisterCircles, outreach and awareness campaigns,CABWHP helps individuals and familiesnavigate challenges associated withAlzheimer's, while advocating for resourceadvancements and policy changes that willhelp lead to a world without this disease.ABOUT UScabwhp.org(310) 412-1828wellwoman@cabwhp.org @cabwhpA GUIDE FOR THEBLACK COMMUNITYmemory loss that disrupts daily lifepoor judgment, leading to bad decisionsloss of spontaneity and sense of initiativelosing track of dates or current locationchallenges planning or problem solvingmood and personality changesincreased anxiety and/or aggressionWHAT ARE COMMONSYMPTOMS?EARLY-STAGE ALZHEIMER'S(MILD) SYMPTOMSMIDDLE-STAGE ALZHEIMER'S(MODERATE) SYMPTOMSLATE-STAGE ALZHEIMER'S(SEVERE) SYMPTOMSincreased forgetfulness, like notremembering events or personal detailsWithdrawal from social activitiesDifficulty with language, reading, writing,math and learning new thingsStruggling to organize thoughts Problems adapting to new situationsChanges in sleep patternsDifficulty with familiar tasksOccasionally not recognizing family andfriendsExperiencing hallucinations, delusions orparanoiaInappropriate emotional outburstsRestlessness, anxiety, tearfulness orwandering, especially in the late afternoonor eveningRepeating statements or movements, andoccasional muscle twitches3CONNECT WITH US

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Black Americans are about twice aslikely to develop Alzheimer’s diseasecompared to white Americans, butare 35% less likely to be diagnosedwith Alzheimer’s and relateddementias.By 2060, the number of Alzheimer'sdisease cases is predicted to rise toan estimated 14 million people. Casesamong Black people are expected toincrease four times over today'sestimates.Experts believe that Alzheimer’s disease,like many other chronic or long-termhealth conditions, usually develops dueto a combination of factors. Theseinclude age, family history, environment,lifestyle and other health issues. Whilesome things, like getting older or havinga family history of the disease, cannotbe changed, other risk factors—such ashigh blood pressure or not gettingenough exercise—can be managed tolower your risk. Research is ongoing tofind better ways to identify those whomight be at the highest risk forAlzheimer’s.WHAT ARE THERISK FACTORS?Age: most individuals with the diseaseare 65 and olderFamily history: those who have aparent, brother or sister withAlzheimer’s are more likely to developthe diseaseMedical conditions: Higher rates ofhypertension, diabetes and heartdisease increase risk of developingAlzheimer’s Genetic predispositions (i.e. APOE Gene(Apolipoprotein E)IS ALZHEIMER'SPREVENTABLE?PRACTICE RELAXATIONTECHNIQUESSEEK EMOTIONAL SUPPORTTAKE BREAKSENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITYPRIORITIZE CONSISTENT SLEEPPATTERNS12345WELLNESS TIPS FORCAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALSLIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’SIMMERSE YOURSELF INENJOYABLE ACTIVITIES ANDINTERESTS6ASK FOR HELP WITHCAREGIVING DUTIES7WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’SDISEASE?Alzheimer’s disease is a type ofdementia. It is a progressive braindisorder that affects memory, thinkingand behavior.Alzheimer’s disease typically progressesin three stages:Early-stage Alzheimer's (mild)Middle-stage Alzheimer's(moderate)and Late-stage Alzheimer's(severe)HOW COMMON ISALZHEIMER’S AMONGBLACK PEOPLE?1IS SUPPORT AVAILABLE?There is help and hope.To find resources visit:alz.org/help-supportalzheimers.govalzheimersla.orgcabwhp.orgcdph.ca.gov245CABWHP.ORGCABWHP.ORG

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SOURCES1. National Institute on Aging, 20212. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20193. National Institute on Aging, 20224. Alzheimer’s Association, 20245 .Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024CABWHP.ORGUNDERSTANDINGALZHEIMER’S: inability to communicateunaware of what’s happened recently orsurroundingslosing weight and little interest in eatinghaving seizuresoverall physical decline, including issueswith teeth, skin and feetdifficulty swallowing food or drinksgroaning, moaning or gruntingSleeping more than usualLosing control over bowel and bladderfunctionsCalifornia Black Women’s Health Project(CABWHP) is the only statewide, non-profitorganization that is solely committed to improving the health of California's 1.2 millionBlack women and girls, from preconception toaging, through advocacy, education, outreachand policy. CABWHP recognizes the urgentand increasing need to address the growingimpact Alzheimer's has on Black families andcommunities. CABWHP is devoted to providingsupport, resources and education to thoseaffected by Alzheimer's and Black women onthe aging journey. Through education, SisterCircles, outreach and awareness campaigns,CABWHP helps individuals and familiesnavigate challenges associated withAlzheimer's, while advocating for resourceadvancements and policy changes that willhelp lead to a world without this disease.ABOUT UScabwhp.org(310) 412-1828wellwoman@cabwhp.org @cabwhpA GUIDE FOR THEBLACK COMMUNITYmemory loss that disrupts daily lifepoor judgment, leading to bad decisionsloss of spontaneity and sense of initiativelosing track of dates or current locationchallenges planning or problem solvingmood and personality changesincreased anxiety and/or aggressionWHAT ARE COMMONSYMPTOMS?EARLY-STAGE ALZHEIMER'S(MILD) SYMPTOMSMIDDLE-STAGE ALZHEIMER'S(MODERATE) SYMPTOMSLATE-STAGE ALZHEIMER'S(SEVERE) SYMPTOMSincreased forgetfulness, like notremembering events or personal detailsWithdrawal from social activitiesDifficulty with language, reading, writing,math and learning new thingsStruggling to organize thoughts Problems adapting to new situationsChanges in sleep patternsDifficulty with familiar tasksOccasionally not recognizing family andfriendsExperiencing hallucinations, delusions orparanoiaInappropriate emotional outburstsRestlessness, anxiety, tearfulness orwandering, especially in the late afternoonor eveningRepeating statements or movements, andoccasional muscle twitches3CONNECT WITH US

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Black Americans are about twice aslikely to develop Alzheimer’s diseasecompared to white Americans, butare 35% less likely to be diagnosedwith Alzheimer’s and relateddementias.By 2060, the number of Alzheimer'sdisease cases is predicted to rise toan estimated 14 million people. Casesamong Black people are expected toincrease four times over today'sestimates.Experts believe that Alzheimer’s disease,like many other chronic or long-termhealth conditions, usually develops dueto a combination of factors. Theseinclude age, family history, environment,lifestyle and other health issues. Whilesome things, like getting older or havinga family history of the disease, cannotbe changed, other risk factors—such ashigh blood pressure or not gettingenough exercise—can be managed tolower your risk. Research is ongoing tofind better ways to identify those whomight be at the highest risk forAlzheimer’s.WHAT ARE THERISK FACTORS?Age: most individuals with the diseaseare 65 and olderFamily history: those who have aparent, brother or sister withAlzheimer’s are more likely to developthe diseaseMedical conditions: Higher rates ofhypertension, diabetes and heartdisease increase risk of developingAlzheimer’s Genetic predispositions (i.e. APOE Gene(Apolipoprotein E)IS ALZHEIMER'SPREVENTABLE?PRACTICE RELAXATIONTECHNIQUESSEEK EMOTIONAL SUPPORTTAKE BREAKSENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITYPRIORITIZE CONSISTENT SLEEPPATTERNS12345WELLNESS TIPS FORCAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALSLIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’SIMMERSE YOURSELF INENJOYABLE ACTIVITIES ANDINTERESTS6ASK FOR HELP WITHCAREGIVING DUTIES7WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’SDISEASE?Alzheimer’s disease is a type ofdementia. It is a progressive braindisorder that affects memory, thinkingand behavior.Alzheimer’s disease typically progressesin three stages:Early-stage Alzheimer's (mild)Middle-stage Alzheimer's(moderate)and Late-stage Alzheimer's(severe)HOW COMMON ISALZHEIMER’S AMONGBLACK PEOPLE?1IS SUPPORT AVAILABLE?There is help and hope.To find resources visit:alz.org/help-supportalzheimers.govalzheimersla.orgcabwhp.orgcdph.ca.gov245CABWHP.ORGCABWHP.ORG

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Black Americans are about twice aslikely to develop Alzheimer’s diseasecompared to white Americans, butare 35% less likely to be diagnosedwith Alzheimer’s and relateddementias.By 2060, the number of Alzheimer'sdisease cases is predicted to rise toan estimated 14 million people. Casesamong Black people are expected toincrease four times over today'sestimates.Experts believe that Alzheimer’s disease,like many other chronic or long-termhealth conditions, usually develops dueto a combination of factors. Theseinclude age, family history, environment,lifestyle and other health issues. Whilesome things, like getting older or havinga family history of the disease, cannotbe changed, other risk factors—such ashigh blood pressure or not gettingenough exercise—can be managed tolower your risk. Research is ongoing tofind better ways to identify those whomight be at the highest risk forAlzheimer’s.WHAT ARE THERISK FACTORS?Age: most individuals with the diseaseare 65 and olderFamily history: those who have aparent, brother or sister withAlzheimer’s are more likely to developthe diseaseMedical conditions: Higher rates ofhypertension, diabetes and heartdisease increase risk of developingAlzheimer’s Genetic predispositions (i.e. APOE Gene(Apolipoprotein E)IS ALZHEIMER'SPREVENTABLE?PRACTICE RELAXATIONTECHNIQUESSEEK EMOTIONAL SUPPORTTAKE BREAKSENGAGE IN PHYSICAL ACTIVITYPRIORITIZE CONSISTENT SLEEPPATTERNS12345WELLNESS TIPS FORCAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALSLIVING WITH ALZHEIMER’SIMMERSE YOURSELF INENJOYABLE ACTIVITIES ANDINTERESTS6ASK FOR HELP WITHCAREGIVING DUTIES7WHAT IS ALZHEIMER’SDISEASE?Alzheimer’s disease is a type ofdementia. It is a progressive braindisorder that affects memory, thinkingand behavior.Alzheimer’s disease typically progressesin three stages:Early-stage Alzheimer's (mild)Middle-stage Alzheimer's(moderate)and Late-stage Alzheimer's(severe)HOW COMMON ISALZHEIMER’S AMONGBLACK PEOPLE?1IS SUPPORT AVAILABLE?There is help and hope.To find resources visit:alz.org/help-supportalzheimers.govalzheimersla.orgcabwhp.orgcdph.ca.gov245CABWHP.ORGCABWHP.ORG

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SOURCES1. National Institute on Aging, 20212. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 20193. National Institute on Aging, 20224. Alzheimer’s Association, 20245 .Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2024CABWHP.ORGUNDERSTANDINGALZHEIMER’S: inability to communicateunaware of what’s happened recently orsurroundingslosing weight and little interest in eatinghaving seizuresoverall physical decline, including issueswith teeth, skin and feetdifficulty swallowing food or drinksgroaning, moaning or gruntingSleeping more than usualLosing control over bowel and bladderfunctionsCalifornia Black Women’s Health Project(CABWHP) is the only statewide, non-profitorganization that is solely committed to improving the health of California's 1.2 millionBlack women and girls, from preconception toaging, through advocacy, education, outreachand policy. CABWHP recognizes the urgentand increasing need to address the growingimpact Alzheimer's has on Black families andcommunities. CABWHP is devoted to providingsupport, resources and education to thoseaffected by Alzheimer's and Black women onthe aging journey. Through education, SisterCircles, outreach and awareness campaigns,CABWHP helps individuals and familiesnavigate challenges associated withAlzheimer's, while advocating for resourceadvancements and policy changes that willhelp lead to a world without this disease.ABOUT UScabwhp.org(310) 412-1828wellwoman@cabwhp.org @cabwhpA GUIDE FOR THEBLACK COMMUNITYmemory loss that disrupts daily lifepoor judgment, leading to bad decisionsloss of spontaneity and sense of initiativelosing track of dates or current locationchallenges planning or problem solvingmood and personality changesincreased anxiety and/or aggressionWHAT ARE COMMONSYMPTOMS?EARLY-STAGE ALZHEIMER'S(MILD) SYMPTOMSMIDDLE-STAGE ALZHEIMER'S(MODERATE) SYMPTOMSLATE-STAGE ALZHEIMER'S(SEVERE) SYMPTOMSincreased forgetfulness, like notremembering events or personal detailsWithdrawal from social activitiesDifficulty with language, reading, writing,math and learning new thingsStruggling to organize thoughts Problems adapting to new situationsChanges in sleep patternsDifficulty with familiar tasksOccasionally not recognizing family andfriendsExperiencing hallucinations, delusions orparanoiaInappropriate emotional outburstsRestlessness, anxiety, tearfulness orwandering, especially in the late afternoonor eveningRepeating statements or movements, andoccasional muscle twitches3CONNECT WITH US