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New survey shows African-Americans are
concerned with Heart Health but unaware of
link to Brain Health…Alzheimer's Association
and American Heart Association join forces
to educate African-Americans on managing
Heart Health to promote Brain Health
CHICAGO, PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- A recent survey commissioned by
the Alzheimer's Association and the American
Heart Association found that, among
African-Americans, two out of three (61
percent) expressed concern about developing
heart disease, and two out of five (40
percent) expressed concern about developing
Alzheimer's.
However, only about one in 20 (6 percent) are aware that heart
health is linked to brain health.
February is Black History Month and American Heart Month, so the
Alzheimer's Association is teaming up with
the American Heart Association. Their goal
is to educate African-Americans that by
managing their cardiovascular risk, they may
also strengthen their cognitive health. This
first-time strategic alliance will kick off
in February and extend through May, which is
American Stroke Month.
Compared to the general public, African-Americans have a higher
risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, high
cholesterol and other cardiovascular
complications, which could lead to a higher
risk of stroke and Alzheimer's disease.
"What's good for your heart is good for your brain," says Jennifer
Manly, Ph.D., Alzheimer's Association
spokesperson. "Every healthy heartbeat pumps
about one-fifth of your blood to your brain.
"The human brain is comprised of billions of brain cells that need a
constant source of nutrients and oxygen,
which is carried in the blood so that the
brain can carry on the daily processes of
thinking, problem solving and remembering.
Impaired heart function could lead to
impaired brain function."
"By the year 2030, the number of African-Americans age 65 or older
is expected to more than double to 6.9
million," said Emil Matarese, M.D., clinical
neurologist and American Heart Association
spokesperson.
"Although Alzheimer's is not part of normal aging, age is the
greatest risk factor for Alzheimer's
disease. So it is important that
African-Americans take steps now to decrease
their risk of heart disease, which research
has shown could also decrease the risk of
cognitive decline."
Did You Know?
-- Compared to the general public, African-Americans have a higher
risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and
vascular dementia.
-- More than 40 percent of African-Americans have high blood
pressure and are at risk for stroke, which
can lead to greater risk for developing
Alzheimer's.
-- African-Americans, as a group, are at greater risk for heart
disease and stroke.
-- Every year more than 100,000 African-Americans have a stroke.
-- Having high cholesterol increases the risk for stroke and may
increase the risk for Alzheimer's.
Survey Results
-- African-Americans are concerned about the risk of both heart
disease and Alzheimer's.
* One-third (33 percent) of African-Americans report being
diagnosed with high blood pressure, and
about one in five (22 percent) report being
diagnosed with high cholesterol.
* Large majorities of African-Americans have been diagnosed or are
personally concerned about cardiovascular
and other related conditions. Diseases and
levels of concern are: high blood pressure
(74 percent diagnosed or concerned); heart
disease (65 percent diagnosed or concerned);
and high cholesterol (64 percent diagnosed
or concerned).
* Two out of five (40 percent) African-Americans are concerned
about developing Alzheimer's. Over
one-quarter (28 percent) know a family
member or friend who has it.
-- More than half of African-Americans (54 percent) know that they
are at greater risk for heart disease, but
fewer than one in ten (8 percent) know that
they have a higher risk of developing
dementias such as Alzheimer's.
-- Fewer than one in 10 African-Americans know that cardiovascular
and other related diseases are linked to
Alzheimer's, including:
* Heart disease linked to Alzheimer's (6 percent aware)
* High blood pressure linked to Alzheimer's (8 percent aware)
* Diabetes linked to Alzheimer's (6 percent aware)
* High cholesterol linked to Alzheimer's (5 percent aware)
-- Nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of African-Americans report doing
things in their lives specifically for heart
health. This includes:
* Eating heart healthy foods (46 percent)
* Exercising (44 percent)
* Managing their weight (40 percent)
-- Fewer, though still half (50 percent) of African-Americans,
report doing things in their lives
specifically for brain health, especially:
* Staying mentally active by doing puzzles (43 percent)
* Staying socially active (36 percent)
* Eating "brain healthy" foods (35 percent)
Steps You Can Take To Control Your Risks
-- Watch your numbers
* Blood pressure - desirable blood pressure is less than 120/80
mmHg
* Blood sugar - desirable fasting blood sugar is less than 100
mg/dL
* Body weight - keep your body weight in the recommended range
* Cholesterol - desirable total cholesterol is less than 200 mg/dL
-- Make healthy lifestyle choices:
* Stay mentally active.
* Remain socially involved.
* Stay physically active.
* Reduce your intake of fat and cholesterol.
* Don't smoke.
Visit
www.alz.org/heartbrain or call the
American Stroke Association, a division of
the American Heart Association at
888-478-7653 or the Alzheimer's Association
at 800-272-3900 and you'll receive a free
brochure with heart and brain health
information and a pedometer, while supplies
last.
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