Alzheimer’s disease (the most common type of dementia) is the 6th leading cause of death among White people, but the 4th leading cause of death for Black people like me.

Dementia is called a “silent epidemic” among Black people because many of us refuse to acknowledge or discuss this horrific disease.

One major reason Black people suffer disproportionately from Alzheimer’s is we are underrepresented in dementia research, in part because many of us are unwilling to donate our brains to research or participate in brain studies due to distrust of the medical system.

Another reason is Black people suffer disproportionately from diseases linked to a higher risk of dementia, including high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes.

It is also important to discuss important life challenges caused by dementia of any sort earlier in the disease process so you can address important end-of-life care decisions and family business.