Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth most common cause of death for Americans ages 65 years and older, and the CDC reports Blacks have the highest prevalence of the progressive brain disorder among that age group. Research has shown that Blacks older than 65 are up to three times more likely to have Alzheimer’s than Whites. With numbers like that, it is important to educate the community about the disease. That’s why the KJLH 21st Annual Women’s Health Expo includes a panel titled Alzheimer’s, COVID-19 and the African American Community.
L.A. Care Health Plan is among the sponsors of the expo, and the health plan’s Lead Product Solutions Manager, Mona Tisdale, will moderate the panel, which will cover a wide range of important topics, including:
- Understanding the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia
- The unique challenges of diagnosing dementia in older Blacks
- The symptoms that families must look for
- Risk factors for developing Alzheimer’s disease
- Social determinants that could contribute to cognitive impairment
- The challenges of caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease
- COVID-19 and its impact on the life of a person with Alzheimer’s and the caregiver
- Resources to support Alzheimer’s caregivers
A person with Alzheimer’s slowly loses memory, and the disease eventually destroys one’s ability to perform even the simplest tasks, such as bathing, feeding, and dressing. Age is the single biggest risk factor for developing Alzheimer’s and with the number of Americans ages 65 and older expected to more than double over the next 40 years, the panel information is important for all communities.
The panelists will include:
- Petra Niles, MSG, Gerontologist and Senior Manager of African American Services at Alzheimer’s Greater Los Angeles
- Karen D. Lincoln, PhD, Associate Professor at the Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work at the University of Southern California
- April Thames, PhD, a Clinical Neuropsychologist and Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Southern California
- Donna Benton, PhD, a Clinical Psychologist and Director of the USC Family Caregiver Support Center
The virtual Women’s Health Expo goes live on May 8, at 10:00 am and you will be able to access the panels at kjlhradio.com.