On Nov. 1, more than 1,300 landmarks across the United States and around the world lit up in teal–the color of Alzheimer’s awareness–to launch Alzheimer’s Awareness Month as part of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s (AFA) annual “Light the World in Teal” initiative.
From the Bridgestone Arena and Tennessee State Capitol Building in Nashville to iconic sites in 16 foreign countries, these teal-lit landmarks served as a visual reminder of the more than 6.2 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease.
Studies reveal that Alzheimer’s disease disproportionately affects Black Americans aged 65 and older, with a diagnosis rate of 14%, compared to 10% among their white counterparts. The disparity is likely even higher, as many Black individuals are not diagnosed correctly.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention projects that Alzheimer’s cases among Black Americans–who are at a higher risk than any other racial or ethnic group–will quadruple by 2060. This disparity cannot be explained by genetics alone.
The roots of Alzheimer’s disease in the Black community run deep, often stemming from systemic inequalities. Health conditions like heart disease, diabetes and high blood pressure are more prevalent among Black Americans, exacerbated by factors such as environmental injustice, food deserts and chronic stress. These conditions, along with depression and obesity, are known risk factors for Alzheimer’s.
Moreover, systemic barriers to healthcare access and quality treatment contribute to the disparity. Black Americans often face challenges in receiving timely and appropriate care for these underlying conditions, which can increase their risk of developing Alzheimer’s.
The compounding impact of racism, throughout a lifetime, further exacerbates these health disparities and can contribute to cognitive decline.
Alzheimer’s is a brain disorder that gradually destroys memory and thinking skills, and eventually the ability to carry out daily tasks. Early symptoms can include forgetting recent conversations or events, trouble finding the right words, and vision or spatial issues. As the disease progresses, people may experience increased confusion, disorientation, personality changes, and even hallucinations or delusions.
In 1983, President Ronald Reagan designated November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. A decade later, his personal battle with Alzheimer’s brought the disease’s devastating reality to the forefront of the nation’s consciousness.
As November 2024 marks the 41st anniversary of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and a cure remains elusive, initiatives like “Light the World in Teal” strive to raise awareness and provide support for millions affected by this debilitating disease.
To learn more about the AFA and how you can get involved, visit its website at www.alzfdn.org, or call the National Helpline at (866) 232-8484, or text (646) 586-5283. You can also connect with them on various social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. The Alzheimer’s Association Chattanooga office is located at 110 Somerville Ave., Suite 227, (423) 265-3600.