Caregiving is vital to our loved ones and clients. The role of care is challenging because care changes from moment to moment. For many the role of caring for another is complicated as care requires an understanding of the person’s needs as they change. As a caregiver, care is a great responsibility and a blessing I learned myself as a caregiver but summed up wonderfully from a Disney Motion Picture Deadpool & Wolverine, “The best part is the people we save, save us right back.” November was caregiver month and yet, for caregivers, it is a continual responsibility to care. November was a great opportunity to celebrate those who care for our loved ones especially those caring for those with disabilities, and diseases. In December, during the holidays it is a time to consider how many caregivers need to recharge and take a well-deserved break of care. As caregivers perform daily lifegiving and supportive services there is another element of concern, the disease of Dementia.
Dementia and Alzheimers are horrible diseases impacting Blacks two times more than Whites. Hispanics are affected 1.5 times more than Whites. The disease slowly absorbs the memories and the abilities of the person over time until death occurs. Consider the many brilliant minds that have been lost to this disease. Dementia can no longer be a hidden conversation but a call to action to recognize the cost to our communities.
As people of color, there is a concern for equity in healthcare and this includes mental and brain care. The reality is Dementia impacts our communities at two times the rate is staggering especially when underdiagnosed or caught in the later stages when medications and care are no longer viable.
There is a need for conversations about the disease and no longer can there be silence or shame associated with Dementia or Alzheimers. Ask yourself is there shame in cancer or diabetes? NO! There is no shame in the disease of Dementia or Alzheimers.
Dana Ritchey, CDP Program Director Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Cincinnati and Miami Valley Chapters states, “There is a stigma associated with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Not talking about what we’re experiencing as a person with cognitive decline or as a caregiver of someone with Dementia prevents us from learning more about the disease – that we’re not alone and that there are free programs and services to help us on this journey. We have to share our stories in our communities to stop the stigma.”
As a community, it is time to look at other acts of tragedy to support the well-being of our families and friends. Take time to understand the impact of health diseases such as Dementia and explore the signs. (http://alz.org/10signs)
We discussed death due to violence but, the rate of death by Dementia is staggering in comparison. In 2022, 48,204 people died from gun violence in the U.S. as reported in the article Overview of Gun Violence from John Hopkins (https://publichealth.jhu.edu) yet, in 2022 more than 120,000 people died from Alzheimer’s disease. It is reported that 11 million families in 2022 are supported by unpaid caregivers to provide an estimated 18 billion hours of care to people afflicted by Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
So often we consider drugs and violence to be the root cause of the most horrific issues affecting Black and Brown communities yet, brain disease and health concerns are the leaders of morbidity. The silence of Dementia is a killer to our families and friends.
The need to raise awareness of Dementia is critical and requires a loud voice just as in gun violence.
The role of family members and caregivers when informed of the causes and challenges of Dementia can greatly support our loved ones and patients. Dementia and Alzheimer’s are horrible diseases that eat away at the mind, memories, and eventually the body.
Dementia can no longer be a hidden conversation it must be tied to and commonly discussed as high blood pressure and diabetes, as well as how these diseases impact the likelihood of Dementia.
Seek help early and request support from organizations such as the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Cincinnati and Christ Hospital Center for Aging both specializing in Dementia and Alzheimers care. We need not let Dementia be the leader in death. Families and communities can come together to discuss the rising impact of these diseases on our loved ones now!