For Madison, Wisconsin thought leader and pastor Dr. Alex Gee, Alzheimer's disease has taken a personal toll. As he supports his mother with her Alzheimer's journey, he has begun speaking about how the disease affects the African-American community. 

In his podcast series Black Like Me, Dr. Gee interviewed Fabu Carter, MA, outreach specialist, Geriatrics and Gerontology and Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center. 

"We're about seven years into the journey," said Dr. Gee, describing how his family has learned about memory loss and memory care, research on Alzheimer's disease, and community health initiatives aimed at people living with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers. 

"What people should know is that [dementia] is not a normal sign of aging...you don't get Alzheimer's disease just because you're getting older. That should be comforting to a lot of people. Your brain can age, and it can age well," said Ms. Carter.

The duo discussed practical measures for promoting healthy cognitive aging, and the need for continued research. "I would encourage your listeners, if there is an Alzheimer's disease research center near them, become a part of that research, because the level of expertise is so much higher. And also, scientists are trying to educate doctors and clinicians about how to gauge and evaluate Alzheimer's disease," said Ms. Carter.

Resources:

• "Remembering Alzheimer’s with Guest Fabu Carter," Black Like Me, March 20, 2018