. Monroe notes many trials excluded people with comorbidities from the trial pool, eliminating the possibility of participation for many Black and Latinx people.
Black people are also more likely to live in areas with lower access to health care, quality food, education and open spaces for recreation — all of which contribute to a higher risk of developing Alzheimer's. The COVID-19 pandemic has added to these issues as shutdowns have cut elders off from social activities, arts and crafts, group meals in assisted living facilities, and visits from family and friends that help with brain function and mood.
When her father started having signs of mental decline, Monroe found it difficult to get him a diagnosis. She took him to a doctor for tests, only to have the doctor respond by asking why she'd want to know since there are no good treatments. Eventually, they found a doctor who diagnosed her father with Alzheimer's, and the testing also revealed that he had suffered multiple strokes.
As Monroe and her siblings support their father, she continues to raise awareness in the Black community about the disease, stressing that cognitive decline is not a normal part of aging — and it's OK to seek help as a caregiver as well. "For many Black families, you're making ends meet and trying to build a legacy," Monroe said."All of a sudden, this disease hits your family and wipes everything out. It's a very challenging situation, and it really is a civil rights issue."
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