Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia in seniors. Alzheimer’s disease affects an estimated 6.5 million Americans. It is the seventh leading cause of death among all adults and the fifth leading cause of death among people 65 and older.
Symptoms
Common early symptoms include the inability to recall recent conversations, names, or events, as well as apathy and depression. Later signs include trouble speaking, getting lost, being confused, having poor judgment, shifting how one thinks or behaves, and eventually having difficulty speaking, swallowing, and walking.
Action Is Needed
First, to speed up research on Alzheimer’s disease in African-Americans and find effective ways to treat and prevent the disease. Second, to make African-Americans more aware of Alzheimer’s, get them more involved in research, and give services and treatments to people with the disease. Third, services such as assessment, diagnosis, and care that are affordable and culturally sensitive must be developed and promoted.