There are some illnesses that are making their presence known in the churches that African Americans attend, which we rarely name or acknowledge. One such condition is dementia. Many times, we brush the subject away with a joke. Take, for example, when Brother Harry (not his name) could not find his way back to his seat after receiving communion, we snigger; or when Sister Steph (not her name) came to church late because she got lost on her way to the church she has driven to for thirty years, we may just roll our eyes. These incidents, however, should be taken seriously as they can be a telltale sign of dementia brought on by the early effects of Alzheimer's disease.
So, let's demystify the subject as this month is Alzheimer's month in the United States of America. Why does it seem like we are hearing more of this disease than in times past? Well-aging is a worldwide process showing improved healthcare successes over the last century. Many people live longer and healthier lives, so there is a greater proportion of older people. It is important, however, to state that dementia is not a part of normal aging.
Dementia is a general term for a decline in mental ability, such as memory, reasoning, or other thinking skills, which are severe enough to interfere with our daily lives. Alzheimer's is a specific disease that is the most common cause of dementia. Some of the regular signs of dementia are:
There are 55 million people worldwide living with dementia, with 10 million new cases being diagnosed every year. It is said to be the fastest-growing disease in the world. Nations are waking up to the fact that this is a costly disease. It is estimated that the global cost of dementia is US$1.3 trillion.
For those diagnosed with dementia, there are practical things we can do that could help us manage the symptoms; to date, there is no definitive cure for dementia.
Those practical things include:
Furthermore, it is important to plan ahead of time. Over time, it may be harder to make important decisions for yourself or your finances:
Of course, each individual should make provision for their health. The family unit is also responsible for contributing to the care of family members when ill-health strikes. However, the Black Church is uniquely placed to assist persons of faith with dementia or those caring for persons living with dementia. This includes facilitating open discussions on all the issues surrounding a disease that affects black elders twice as much as white people. Mentioning this condition in sermons, bible studies, and discussion groups is extremely helpful and assists in removing any stigma that may be attached to dementia or Alzheimer's. The Black Church should act as a signpost to gaining help by providing up-to-date information through literature or videos. Early diagnosis of any disease is of vital importance. We are aware from other studies that African Americans then access medical services later than every other ethnic group in the United States of America.
Creating a Dementia support group is vitally similar to cancer support, sickle cell, etc. Not only for the assistance of those with dementia but also for their caregivers. Research has shown that Black dementia caregivers were 69% less likely than White caregivers to use respite services, although the need for dementia care relief is considerable among Black families.
It is imperative that the Black Church, as the body of Christ, values all its members—even those who are challenged by the mental deterioration that comes with dementia.
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