Black Americans are twice as likely to develop dementia, yet awareness and early intervention remain low (Photo Credit Aalok Soni/baseimage).
BHM Our Voices: Viewpoints on the Contemporary Black Experience
In a world burdened by disease, death, and suffering, there is one silent and insidious killer that is devastating families and communities—dementia. Unlike other leading causes of death, dementia is not a sudden, dramatic illness; rather, it creeps in like a thief in the night, slowly stealing memories, identities and independence.
According to the World Health Organization, dementia ranks as the seventh leading cause of death in America. In 2021 alone, 1.8 million lives were claimed by this cruel disease, and today, 6.9 million Americans are living with some form of dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. Even more alarming, this number is expected to double to 13.8 million by 2060—just 35 years away.
Despite billions of dollars invested in research—$3.8 billion from the U.S. federal government, according to the National Institutes of Health—scientific advancements have yet to outpace the rate at which people are being diagnosed. Every 3.2 seconds, another person is given a dementia diagnosis, adding to the global crisis. And as concerning as these numbers are, the burden of this disease is not equally distributed.
A Crisis in the Black Community
Dementia is disproportionately affecting Black Americans. The Lewy Body Dementia Association reports that Black seniors are twice as likely to develop dementia as White seniors. And yet, the conversation around prevention and early intervention is rarely prioritized in Black communities.
The economic toll is staggering. Despite making up only 13% of the U.S. population, Black Americans bear 33% of the total cost of dementia care. Families are financially drained as they struggle to care for loved ones suffering from memory loss, confusion, and an inability to complete everyday tasks. In total, African American caregivers lose an estimated $6.1 billion in earnings each year, sacrificing their own financial stability to care for aging parents and grandparents. And yet, we are not powerless against this disease.
Fighting Back: Steps to Protect Your Brain
The good news? Research suggests there are ways to delay or even prevent dementia. A few simple lifestyle changes can significantly lower your risk:
Get moving: Walking just 3,800 steps per day can have a positive impact on brain health and delay cognitive decline by cutting risk of developing dementia by 25%.
Embrace mindfulness: Studies from the National Library of Medicine suggest that yoga and meditation can slow dementia’s progression.
Stay connected: For those over 60, having deep, meaningful conversations several times a week significantly lowers dementia risk.
Surprising benefit of intimacy: Regular sexual activity has been linked to increased mental sharpness in older adults, thus lowering the risk of developing dementia.
The Time to Act is Now
Dementia is not just a medical issue—it is an economic, social and racial justice issue. Black families must take the lead in educating themselves, advocating for resources, and normalizing discussions about brain health. Meanwhile, financial institutions, healthcare providers and policymakers must step up to provide better support systems for those affected.
The reality is harsh, but the message is clear: We must act now to protect our futures. If we fail to address this crisis today, dementia will continue to steal not just our memories, but our families, our livelihoods and our communities.
The question is—what steps will you take to protect your mind!
“Health Check”: is a monthly column dedicated to educating and empowering African American readers to take charge of their health and well-being. Next month we will discuss Depression.
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