Prepping for Your Own Alzheimer’s Future

Have you ever watched a loved one slowly lose their memories and wondered: Will this be me one day? If Alzheimer’s runs in your family, that question that can keep you awake most nights. And for many in the Black community, this fear isn’t abstract—it’s personal and painfully familiar.

Alzheimer’s, a progressive brain disorder that gradually destroys memory, thinking skills, and the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. It leads to dementia and primarily affects older adults. Early symptoms, which often develop gradually but worsen over time, include memory loss, difficulty solving problems, confusion, suspicion, depression, difficulty in carrying out daily routines and retracing steps, and problems with writing or speaking.

According to The Conversation, Alzheimer’s appears more frequently in Black people, in part because of poverty. Chronic health issues like Type 3 diabetes, which affects our community at disproportionately high rates, also increases your risk. Lack of awareness is another major barrier. In fact, according to the Alzheimer’s Association, 55% of Black Americans in the US think that memory loss is a natural part of aging and not a disease. Until recently, I believed that too.

Racial disparities in diagnosis are yet another steep hill to climb. The National Institute on Aging notes that Black Americans are 35% more likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer’s than White Americans.

With all these odds against us, it’s easy to feel helpless—the brace for the same fate that claimed a parent or grandparent. But here’s the truth: you are not powerless. Preparation is the first-line of defense. It’s not surrender—it’s strategy. It’s reclaiming your future while your mind is clear, your heart is strong, and your voice is steady.

Whether you’re noticing early signs or searching for tools to get ahead of what may come, these eight steps will inform you and help you prepare with dignity, strength, and a peace of mind.

1. Know Your Risk and Get Evaluated

The Chicago Crusader reports that Blacks are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s when compared to whites, yet are less likely to get an early diagnosis. If any of your parents or grandparents had Alzheimer’s, your risk is higher.

What should you do about this? Start by asking your doctor for a cognitive health screening. Don’t wait for the doctor to mention it. Remember, we are often underdiagnosed or diagnosed too late.

Early detection can help change the course of your care, but the best part is that it gives you more control options and time.

2. Build Your Brain

Just like bodybuilders build their bodies to look like they want them to look, you can also develop your brain.

Harvard Health Publishing said there are several ways you can help keep your brain young:

Learn something new like a new language, how to play the guitar, or an online cooking class
Play games that make you think–crossword puzzles and chess are great options
Build a social network by joining a book club or attending church programs
Avoid tobacco and alcohol abuse

Historically, Black colleges, universities, and religious centers offer lifelong learning programs. Contact them and help your mind thrive through the connection.

3. Create a Health-First Lifestyle

Brain health begins in the body. A healthy body is a healthy brain. This means:

Staying active (walking, dancing, yoga, etc.)
Eating healthy (cutting back on high-sodium soul foods)
Managing health conditions (blood pressure and diabetes)

The Black community has a high rate of high blood pressure and diabetes, and Johns Hopkins Medicine suggests that these health conditions increase the chances of Alzheimer’s.

4. Get a Lawyer

Did you ask, “What do I need a lawyer for?” Many people in our community avoid this part, which is as important as the first three points I’ve discussed. Engage a lawyer to:

Assign power of attorney to someone you trust
Create a detailed instruction about how you would like to be cared for, including medical decisions and finances
Create a living will

Don’t wait until your memory fades; handle your future now.

5. Build a Support Network

Look around you. Who could help when the time comes? Your daughter, son, a cousin, a spouse, a religious group, a friend? Be open and talk to them about what could happen and what you need from them; now is the time to do that.

Also, plan your caregiver(s) in advance and be sure to choose someone you trust. Communicate your expectations clearly while you still can.

It is not a weakness to tell them you might need them to make tough decisions on your behalf someday. After all, everyone needs a helping hand.

6. Document Your Life and Legacy

Alzheimer’s may choose to take your memory, but don’t allow it to take your life and legacy too. You can:

Record your voice
Take pictures with families and friends
Write a journal
Create a photo album with notes
Make video diaries

Even without your memories, your children and grandchildren can still get to know who you were before Alzheimer’s struck.

7. Live a Full Life Now

While things might get slow later, you have all the time to enjoy your life now. Spend quality time with people who are special to you. Laugh as loud as possible, sing and dance to your favorite songs, attend social gatherings, and take that long-awaited vacation.

Just create and document many beautiful memories because your memories, story, and you matter.

8. Seek Cultural Competent Resources

Finally, you deserve care that respects your identity–your struggles, culture, and experience. Get:

Doctors who listen without assuming
Support groups with people who get you and love you. The African American Network Against Alzheimer’s and the Black Healthcare Coalition are some organizations that offer tailored support.
Therapists who understand your Black background dynamics

Many Black families have suffered in silence with this disease for generations, but you can break that cycle. At Elevate Black Health, we believe that no matter what tomorrow brings, you have the power to plan in advance and handle it with a supportive community.

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