Last month I sat down with B. Smith, model, restaurateur and lifestyle maven along with her husband and business partner Dan Gasby to discuss their New York Times bestselling bookBefore I Forget Love, Hope, Help and Acceptance in Our Fight Against Alzheimer's. The couple shares their focus on increasing awareness regarding the prevention of Alzheimer's disease. Dan Gasby speaks about the need for our community to adopt preventive methods against a disease that disproportionately impacts our community. B. Smith was diagnosed with Alzheimer's in 2013, and is using her celebrity to increase awareness of the fact that two thirds of Americans with Alzheimer's disease are women. For information on Alzheimer's disease click here.
As part of This Local Take look at this issue, I reached out to Dr. Monica Parker from Emory University's Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. She informs us that Alzheimer's disease is preventable and tied to a healthy cardiovascular systems. She explains that we must continue to be active throughout our lives, eat more fruits and vegetables, less meat and processed foods.
While we all know this for our community we must be even more diligent. Alzheimer's Disease is the sixth leading cause of death for all Americans but the fourth leading cause of death for older African Americans. In fact African American seniors are two to three times more likely to have Alzheimer's disease compared with caucasians. Knowing this, it is imperative that we take the necessary steps towards prevention.
To Learn More About the Dr. Parker's remarks - Emory University Alzheimer's Disease Research Center- Healthy Plates - Emory ADRC Facebook Group
April 16 @ 10:00 am - Brain Health, Memory Loss and Caregiving Emory ADRC @ St. Paul of the Cross
April 26 @ 8:15 am - Carter Center Emory ADRC Brain Health Forum