Brain Health Equity Insights - May 2019

We’re thrilled to bring you the second edition of Brain Health Equity Insights, a platform that highlights UsAgainstAlzheimer’s (UsA2) intersectional approach to understanding and addressing brain health disparities through community engagement, research, health practice, and policy.

Physicians & Caregivers: A needed partnership in the fight against Alzheimer’s

“How are you doing?” That simple, common question conveys caring and concern. Nearly a decade ago, the American College of Physicians (ACP) recommended that doctors ask this question of those who care for older or chronically ill patients. But according to a new A-LIST® survey, caregivers don’t hear those words often enough from health care providers. The A-LIST® is an online community of individuals living with or caring for those living with Alzheimer’s or other dementias. Members participate in various studies and research projects, providing unique, self-reported data that represents the voice of the patient and caregiver community. This caregiver-focused

A Call to Connect

The calendar in my phone has two alerts that pop up every year on this day. One is “Mother’s Day!” and the second is “Call Mom!” Turns out I’m not the only one. Mother’s Day is the single highest call volume day in the United States, amounting to a 37% spike in phone traffic. Even though my mother passed away two years ago from Alzheimer’s disease, I can’t bear to delete the reminder in my calendar to call her. Seeing it there makes me somehow feel closer to her. My mom was one of my favorite people to talk to

The Power of Faith in Alzheimer’s & Dementia

During my time with UsAgainstAlzheimer’s, I’ve had many conversations with people living with and caring for those with dementia or Alzheimer’s. From these conversations, I’ve learned that faith is integral to how they cope with the tremendous uncertainty, decline and loss that invariably accompanies this disease. In response, many faith communities, denominations, and organizations across the country have implemented creative, meaningful ways to support the spiritual life of these families and educate their communities about Alzheimer’s disease. Emerging scientific evidence is telling us that Alzheimer’s and dementia may be delayed or even potentially prevented through proactive, risk-reducing actions taken across

Addressing Injustice in Alzheimer’s and Bringing Brain Health Equity to Communities of Color

April is National Minority Health Month, and it presents a good opportunity for all of us to reflect on the numerous challenges and injustices communities of color face when it comes to healthcare in the U.S. For example, African Americans and Latinos are at higher risk than non-Hispanic whites for some of our country’s most common health problems, including obesity, heart disease, diabetes, hypertension, high blood pressure, and stroke. To understand and address these disparities, greater attention is being given to the role of social determinants like income inequality, housing and food security, and educational opportunity. A growing appreciation of