Wisconsin Alzheimer's Association hosts Black History Month event offering resources, support

WISCONSIN (CBS 58) -- Wisconsin's Alzheimer's Association hosted a special Black History Month event Tuesday, addressing Black Americans living with Alzheimer's and other dementia. 

The event was all about shining a light on health disparities and providing support for the Black community. 

More than 20% of Black Americans aged 70 and older are living with the disease and are considered to be twice as likely to develop a form of dementia compared to white Americans. 

While researchers continue to investigate the underlying causes, the Alzheimer's Association is taking proactive steps to support the Black community.

"Most people think that Alzheimer's or other dementias are a normal part of aging, but they are not. It is actually a disease, which means it can be treated. There's no cure, we hope for a cure, but there's no cure. But there are treatments. So we want people to have access to information, how to manage the disease, how to treat it, and also reaching out to the caregivers," said Diane Milner, Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter. 

That information and the resources highlighted are crucial, with only 20% of Black Americans saying they have no barriers to excellent health care and support for Alzheimer's or other dementias.