Blacks are four times as likely to suffer from Alzheimer’s, dementia and strokes compared to other ethnic groups, but in an overwhelming majority of cases, those diseases are preventable.
The Alzheimer’s Ministry of Crenshaw Christian Center wants to heighten awareness about the lifestyle changes that African Americans can adopt to reducing the chances of being affected.
CCC will sponsor a luncheon meeting on Friday, Feb. 21, at 12:30 p.m., on the campus located at 7901 S. Vermont St., in Los Angeles. Dr. Dean and Dr. Ayesha Sherzai, neurologists and co-directors of the Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center, will be the guest speakers.
“CCC established an Alzheimer’s Ministry 10 years ago due to the incidence of cases plaguing our aging congregation,” said Pastor Frederick K. Price, Jr. “So when Dr. Dean shared the disparities in the African American community and how he wanted to work with churches, it was a no-brainer.”
“Our biggest passion is to go to communities that are suffering from this and raise awareness and give the tools to reverse this massive epidemic and there are things that people can do,” said Dr. Dean. He recommended an improved diet, increased exercise, managing stress, engaging in challenging mental activity, avoiding cigarette smoking and alcohol use.
“These are simple lifestyle changes that do not require the purchase of any special pills or products,” he said.
The presentation is free and open to the public. To learn more, call CCC at (323) 758-3777.