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Alzheimer's

Navigating Alzheimer’s in communities where mental health care is stigmatized and resources are limited can be challenging. Scroll to find information and support.

What Is Alzheimer's Disease?

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain condition that slowly affects memory, thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out simple tasks. It’s the most common form of dementia.1

While it’s often associated with aging, Alzheimer’s is not a normal part of growing older. And it’s more than just forgetfulness—it affects communication, decision-making, relationships, and independence.

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Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease1

Alzheimer’s symptoms often begin subtly, but over time, they interfere with daily life. Know the signs to look for:

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MEMORY LOSS

  • Forgetting names, appointments, or recent conversations
  • Asking the same questions repeatedly
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CONFUSION

  • Trouble following instructions, managing money, or understanding time and place
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MOOD OR BEHAVIOR CHANGES

  • Sudden mood swings, withdrawal from loved ones, or uncharacteristic irritability

MEMORY LOSS

  • Forgetting names, appointments, or recent conversation
  • Asking the same questions repeatedly

CONFUSION

  • Trouble following instructions, managing money, or understanding time and place

MOOD OR BEHAVIOR CHANGES

  • Sudden mood swings, withdrawal from loved ones, or uncharacteristic irritability

Want more information about this condition?

Many symptoms are first noticed by loved ones, so it’s important to trust your instincts and speak up early.

Managing Flareups of Asthma

Living with asthma? Our community member, Eriel, knows a thing or two about
managing flare-ups or asthma attacks.

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Risk Factors for Alzheimer's Disease1

Here are a few factors that might put you at risk for Alzheimer’s disease:

  • Age: Most people with Alzheimer’s are over 65
  • Family History: Risk increases if a parent or sibling had Alzheimer’s
  • Race & Ethnicity: Black Americans have a higher risk and often face delays in diagnosis2
  • Sex: Women are more likely to develop Alzheimer’s than men3
  • Heart Health: High blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
  • Head Injuries: Past concussions or trauma may raise your chances
  • Physical Inactivity: Exercise supports brain health
  • Social Isolation: Staying connected protects memory
  • Chronic Stress: Ongoing stress, especially racialized stress, impacts brain aging
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Managing Alzheimer's Disease1

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, but early intervention can slow symptoms and improve quality of life.

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Daily Support Strategies

  • Create Structure: Routines help reduce anxiety
  • Use Memory Aids: Calendars, labels, and visual cues can support independence
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Medical Care & Treatment

  • Medications: Some drugs may temporarily improve symptoms or slow decline (e.g., donepezil, memantine)
  • Regular Checkups: Managing other health issues (like blood pressure or diabetes) can slow brain changes
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Support for Caregivers

  • Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a journey that requires patience and support.

Managing Alzheimer's Disease

There is no cure for Alzheimer’s yet, but early intervention can slow symptoms and improve quality of life.

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Medications

Common types of blood pressure medications include:

  • Diuretics (“water pills”): Help your body get rid of extra salt and water
  • ACE inhibitors & ARBs: Help relax your blood vessels
  • Calcium channel blockers: Help slow your heartbeat and ease vessel tension
  • Beta blockers: Reduce your heart rate and how hard it works
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Everyday Strategies

  • Reduce Salt: Aim for less than 1,500 mg per day
  • Manage Stress: Therapy, prayer, breathing exercises, joy
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Lifestyle Support

  • Eat Smart: Whole foods, fruits, veggies, low-fat dairy, whole grains
  • Move More: 30 minutes of activity most days
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Daily Support Strategies

  • Create Structure: Routines help reduce anxiety
  • Use Memory Aids: Calendars, labels, and visual cues can support independence
shutterstock 2310803561

Medical Care & Treatment

  • Medications: Some drugs may temporarily improve symptoms or slow decline (e.g., donepezil, memantine)
  • Regular Checkups: Managing other health issues (like blood pressure or diabetes) can slow brain changes
Couple

Support for Caregivers

  • Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s is a journey that requires patience and support.

What Our Community Needs

We read the online discourse on Alzheimer’s and found that our community is looking for:

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A Better Approach to Diagnosis

Online conversations reveal confusion and frustration about how Alzheimer’s is diagnosed—especially among Black families. Many report a lack of access to neurologists or memory specialists, leading to vague explanations like “just getting older.”

Culturally Relevant Testing

The absence of culturally sensitive screening tools and the reliance on verbal memory tests (which may not account for educational disparities) contribute to delayed or missed diagnoses in our communities.

Caregiver Support

Many caregivers are seeking culturally grounded support groups, guidance on managing difficult behaviors, and help navigating the emotional toll. The online discourse shows a hunger for community, not just information.

Legal and Financial Matters

Black caregivers share challenges around power of attorney, Medicaid applications, long-term care planning, and accessing affordable home health services. 

 

Many are searching for tools that break down these complex issues in plain language and respect cultural dynamics around money and legacy.

Resources for Alzheimer's Disease

Many people with Alzheimer’s live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.

Hear From Other People

Real people share how they manage their diagnosis—and stay encouraged.

Get Screened Early

Don’t wait for symptoms to get worse. Find clinics offering memory screening and cognitive health tools.

Brain-Friendly Nutrition

Explore foods that support cognitive health, like leafy greens, berries, and healthy fats.

Resources for Alzheimer's Disease

Many people with Alzheimer’s live active, fulfilling lives. Explore the resources below.

1. NCOA. 2025, January 3

What Is Alzheimer's? How Is It Treated? Retrieved from National Council on Aging

2. NIH. 2021, December 16

Data shows racial disparities in Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis between Black and white research study participants. Retrieved from NIH: National Institute on Aging

3. Beam, C. R., Kaneshiro, C., Jang, J. Y., Reynolds, C. A., Pedersen, N. L., & Gatz, M. 2018

Differences Between Women and Men in Incidence Rates of Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease. Journal of Alzheimer's Disease.

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