#605 How Dementia is impacting Black America

The Not Old - Better Show

How Dementia is impacting Black America

The Not Old Better Show - Black History Month Interview Series

Welcome to The Not Old Better Show. I’m Paul Vogelzang and it’s great to be with you again this week on the radio show and our podcast. Remember, you can find more information about the show at NotOld-Better.com.

Well, February is Black History Month, and we are honoring the contributions of Black supporters, advocates, and organizations who are working to empower Black communities throughout America. Our guest today, Brandi Alexander, National Director of Community Engagement, at Compassion & Choices, a nonprofit organization, whose mission is to improve healthcare, expand healthcare options, and empower all of us in The Not Old Better Show audience, irrespective of race to chart their end-of-life journey. But, for Black Americans, health inequities can prevent individuals and their families from experiencing end-of-life outcomes that align with their values and priorities. This is especially true when faced with a dementia diagnosis.

Dementia is the general term for a group of diseases or conditions that cause impairment to a person’s thinking, memories, or decision-making. Research has shown that people in the Black community often face barriers to their care for dementia, including delays in diagnosis.

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. Around 60–80%Trusted Source of people with dementia have Alzheimer’s.

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, older Black Americans are twice as likely to have dementia than older white Americans.

Today we are focused on how dementia is impacting the Black community. Brandi Alexander and her team at Compassion and Choices are hosting a virtual event with first-hand expertise and speakers on this subject, which we have the privilege of learning more about today.

Please join me in welcoming to The Not Old Better Show, Black History Month series, Brandi Alexander Compassion & Choices

My thanks to Brandi Alexander and her team at Compassion and Choices, for their help in preparing today’s show. My thanks to you, my special audience here on the Not Old Better Show for radio and podcast. Remember, be safe, stay well, practice smart social distancing and let’s Talk About Better. The Not Old Better Show. Thanks, everybody…see you next week and online at notold-better.com