Frequently Asked Questions

AlzInColor is a community-centered space focused on creating conversations around brain health in Black and Latino communities. We provide information and resources on general brain health, as well as Alzheimer’s and dementia awareness, with a focus on the lived experiences of people like us.

On our website and in our events like webinars, you’ll find information, authentic storytelling, and resources designed to help people understand the value of protecting their brain health. It’s also a trusted space where individuals living with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers can access culturally relevant education, support, and resources tailored to Black and Latino communities.

Read and learn more about us here: https://www.alzincolor.com/about

AlzInColor provides brain health resources for people and families, as well as community organizations. We ensure that there is culturally grounded, trustworthy information on brain health and Alzheimer’s available to everyone, but our resources are specifically tailored to Black and Latino communities.

Whether you’re looking for brain health information, have questions about Alzheimer’s disease, or need related support, you’re welcome at any stage of the journey.

Read more about us and our work here: https://www.alzincolor.com/about

According to leading research, Black and Latino communities are more likely to be affected by brain health concerns compared to other communities. Did you know that by 2030, nearly 40% of Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease will be Black or Latino? Yet, Black and Latino individuals often receive less information and support throughout their lives, which can lead to issues like late diagnosis of brain health concerns.

AlzInColor wants to help change that trajectory. When it comes to brain health and Alzheimer’s, we don’t believe our communities, or any community, should face barriers related to early education, diagnosis, or ongoing care.

We want to ensure that Black and Latino individuals are represented, respected, and centered in conversations about brain health.
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Learn more about “Why It Matters” here:

https://www.alzincolor.com/about#why-this-matters

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A Community Advisory Board guides AlzInColor. It is made up of community leaders, faith leaders, advocates, caregivers, and people with lived experience to ensure authenticity and community accountability.

Their guidance helps keep us grounded, ensuring the information we present is what you need, in ways that make sense for you and your family.

Learn more about our AlzInColor Community Advisory Board here:
AlzInColor Community Advisory Board

Brain health refers to how well your brain supports memory, focus, mood, communication, and everyday functioning across your life. It is not only about a disease or a problem. The sooner we think about protecting and improving brain health, the greater the strides we can make for ourselves, our families, and communities.

Think about it as paying attention to how your brain is doing and taking it seriously as part of your overall health.
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Learn more about brain health and what you can do to protect it here:
5 Science-Backed Tips to Improve Mind and Brain Health.

No, brain health is much more than just memory. Your brain also affects attention, sleep, emotional well-being, balance, communication, and how you manage stress. It is a significant part of your life and worth taking seriously through proactive management.

Learn more about brain health in the General Resources section of the website. Simply enter “brain” in the search bar to explore related resources: AlzInColor General Resources

Brain health is the broader picture of how your brain functions overall. Everyone can benefit from taking an active interest in their brain health. Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias are common conditions that affect the brain, but we encourage you to consider how brain health includes reducing risks, awareness, and support long before diagnosis.

Learn more about the experience of Alzheimer’s disease here: https://beingpatient.com/alzheimers-disease/; https://swhr.org/health_focus_area/alzheimers-disease/

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No. Brain health matters at every age. Paying attention earlier gives people more time to learn and make choices that support long-term health. It should be part of every routine checkup we get for our whole lives.

If you want to know a little more, try this resource on cognitive health from the National Institute of Aging. The page explains what cognitive health means, why it matters at all ages, and how lifestyle and environmental factors influence thinking and memory: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/brain-health/cognitive-health-and-older-adults

Changes in the brain can begin long before they are easy to notice, as amyloid buildup in the brain, which can cause memory and thinking issues over time, can start up to 20 years before symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease appears. And the POINTER study tells us, up to 45% of dementia cases, including Alzheimer’s, may be reduced or delayed by addressing modifiable risk factors, many linked to daily habits, lifestyle, and overall health choices.

Learning about brain health early gives people more time to think, make choices, and talk with a healthcare professional before things feel urgent.

By thinking about it today, you are creating an opportunity to learn more and build healthy lifestyle habits that can support your overall health throughout the rest of your life.

Not sure where to get started? Try our Brain Health Awareness Quiz: https://www.alzincolor.com/brain-health-quiz

Many of the same habits that support overall physical health also support the brain. This includes staying socially connected, getting enough sleep, moving your body, managing stress, eating nourishing foods, and keeping your mind active in ways that feel meaningful to you.

Visit The Good Life to learn more about improving your daily routine: https://thegoodlifepath.org/videos/

Ongoing stress can affect focus, mood, sleep, and memory. Stress looks different for everyone and will impact each of us differently. We encourage you to pay attention to your stress, what causes it, and what helps you manage it. When you make it personal, it’s easier to protect your brain and body health.

The American Brain Foundation breaks down how stress and other factors can speed up brain aging and offers evidence-based strategies to support long-term brain health: https://www.americanbrainfoundation.org/brain-aging-explained-what-speeds-it-up-and-what-we-can-do-to-slow-it-down

Some changes in thinking or memory can happen with age. Others may signal a health condition that needs attention. Talk to your healthcare provider (e.g., doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant) and family members to learn about what is typical for you and people in your family. Learning what to expect as you age can help you feel more confident about when to ask questions.

The CDC has put together this guide to explain brain health as we age. It also describes how dementia may present differently, getting you to think about when changes might be more than just an age-related shift: https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/about/alzheimers.html

Want to learn tips for speaking with a healthcare professional, including a downloadable questionnaire to help you get started? Learn more here: Kickstarting a Brain Health Conversation with Your Healthcare Provider

Yes. Brain health is shaped by lived experience, which often varies by both community and color. This includes our home and social environments, the stress we face, access to and barriers to care, and how a family or culture addresses related issues. AlzInColor was created with these realities in mind.

Learn more about brain health risks in our communities by visiting our About page’s “Why It Matters” section: https://www.alzincolor.com/about#why-this-matters

There is no single right time, and there is no “wrong” time either. Brain health is part of overall health and is worth discussing at your next appointment, and every appointment after.

There is no need to wait for specific signs or symptoms. You can talk with your provider (e.g., doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant) if everything seems fine or if you’ve noticed any changes, even if they seem small. We recommend starting by discussing family history, stress, sleep, or everyday concerns.

Want to learn tips for speaking with a healthcare professional, including a downloadable questionnaire to help you get started? Learn more here: Kickstarting a Brain Health Conversation with Your Healthcare Provider

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive, irreversible neurodegenerative brain disorder and the most common form of dementia. It directly impacts memory, thinking, and behavior. Growing cultural awareness of Alzheimer’s disease and other related dementias can make it feel both scary and inevitable.

However, dementia is not a normal part of aging. So, if you have any concerns about your brain health, make time to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Our resources can be a good starting point, but you’ll always want to include a healthcare professional (e.g., doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant) in these conversations.

The NIH Alzheimer’s Disease Fact Sheet offers a research-based overview of Alzheimer’s disease, including how it affects memory and thinking and how it differs from normal aging: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia/alzheimers-disease-fact-sheet

Dementia is a broad term used to describe when a change in thinking or memory starts getting in the way of living a daily life. Alzheimer’s is a disease that can cause dementia, but not all dementia is Alzheimer’s. If you’re having health concerns, please talk with your primary care provider (e.g., doctor, nurse practitioner, physician’s assistant) so they can help you understand what you might be facing.

The NIH Alzheimer’s and dementia page explains the definitions of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease and provides links to symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving resources: https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/alzheimers-and-dementia

No. Some changes in memory can happen to most people as they age, but Alzheimer’s disease is not a normal part of aging. Understanding the difference can help people recognize when it might be time to ask questions or seek more information.

The Partnership to Fight Chronic Disease provides a comprehensive look at the experience and stages of Alzheimer’s disease here: https://www.pfcdalz.org/alzheimers

Talk with a healthcare professional. Friends and family can help you make a list of signs and symptoms you’re experiencing. Pay particular attention to changes in memory loss, math skills, vision, and other brain-related health challenges that are different than what’s normal for you.

Forgetting small things from time to time can happen. But when there are changes that concern you or impact your daily life, like frequently not being able to find your keys for long periods of time, it’s time to have a conversation with your healthcare provider. Alzheimer’s is more than occasionally forgetting things. It is when changes in memory and thinking begin to disrupt daily life, making familiar tasks and routines more difficult than they once were.

If something feels off, it’s a good time to seek support.

The CDC has created a “Alzheimer’s & Dementias, What to Know” page to help you differentiate age-related changes from warning signs of Alzheimer’s and related dementias. It can help families know when to consult a healthcare provider: https://www.cdc.gov/alzheimers-dementia/about/alzheimers.html

Want to learn tips for speaking with a healthcare professional, including a downloadable questionnaire to help you get started? Learn more here: Kickstarting a Brain Health Conversation with Your Healthcare Provider

Yes. When learning about Alzheimer’s disease and caregiving, it is common to encounter unfamiliar terms. The Alzheimer’s Association has developed a glossary to help explain common care- and Alzheimer’s-related words and phrases.

Visit here to review the glossary: https://www.alz.org/help-support/caregiving/care-options/glossary

For many people, yes. Early action and support can help with planning, lifestyle changes, and access to resources. When you start talking about brain health today, future conversations with your loved ones and healthcare providers will be easier and more productive if something happens.

Our partners at HealthyWomen provide valuable information on the difference between normal aging and signs that may require further attention. Learn more in “7 Early Signs of Alzheimer’s” and explore guidance on when changes in memory and thinking could signal something more serious, and what steps to take next. https://www.healthywomen.org/content/article/7-early-signs-alzheimers

Healthcare providers may use different tools to assess cognitive health. AlzInColor offers educational resources to help people understand which questions to ask and which options may be available. Decisions about testing should always be made with a qualified provider.

If you are looking for screenings in your area, speak with a healthcare professional and look at groups like the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, which offers this Memory Screening locator: https://alzfdn.org/memory-screening/find-a-site/

And want to learn tips for speaking with a healthcare professional, including a downloadable questionnaire to help you get started? Learn more here: Kickstarting a Brain Health Conversation with Your Healthcare Provider

No. Many people come to AlzInColor before they or their loved ones have any diagnosis. Some are being proactive about their brain health. Others have questions or concerns they’re struggling to articulate. You are welcome here at any point in your journey.

From our partners: Being Patient and the Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR) offer free educational materials and support for people at every stage of memory concerns. Learn more from them here: https://beingpatient.com/alzheimers-disease/; https://swhr.org/health_focus_area/alzheimers-disease/

AlzInColor brings together educational materials, brain health information, guidance on early warning signs, caregiving resources, blogs, authentic storytelling, webinars, and links to trusted national and local organizations.

Through research and our expert partners, we provide support and resources. We encourage you to share any additional resources you have with us or contact us with any questions at AlzInColor@links2equity.com.

Find more on our Resources page:
• General: https://www.alzincolor.com/general-resources
• State-by-State: https://www.alzincolor.com/state-resources

Resources are selected from trusted organizations and experts. They are designed to help you start a conversation with a healthcare professional or people in your community.

This site does not replace medical care, but it can help people feel more informed and better prepared for conversations with healthcare providers.

Please read more about our Terms of Use here: https://www.alzincolor.com/terms-of-use

AlzInColor is committed to serving English- and Spanish-speaking individuals. You’ll find our core pages, tools, and resources available in both languages. We also work to ensure our content is accessible and culturally relevant.

See our site in Spanish here: https://www.alzincolor.com/es-us

And see our social media platforms in Spanish here: Facebook, Instagram

“Raise the Volume” is a call to speak more openly about brain health in general and about specific diseases like Alzheimer’s. It reflects the belief that sharing stories, asking questions, and talking openly can reduce stigma and help people seek support sooner.

One of our goals is to help you remember that your community is here for you, and we want to listen.

View the “Raise the Volume” video, celebrating Black and Latino families.
Read “Raising the Volume: It’s Time to Speak Up About Memory and Thinking”: https://www.alzincolor.com/blog/raising-the-volume-its-time-to-speak-up-about-memory-and-thinking

Explore our storytelling section to hear the lived experiences of community members navigating brain health and Alzheimer’s, and be inspired to share your own story: https://www.alzincolor.com/stories

Yes, we encourage you to share your story with us.

For many people, sharing their story can help them and others feel seen and less alone. Your story may also help someone else understand what a family member is facing, spot warning signs, or make better decisions for their care. We are in this together, and we encourage everyone to “Raise the Volume” on their own experiences.

Learn more and get started sharing your story here: https://www.alzincolor.com/share-your-story

People get involved in different ways. Some take the Brain Health Awareness Quiz. Others attend webinars, share resources, tell their story, or engage with us on social media. You can get involved with us or use what you find on this website to start conversations directly with those in your community.

Here are a few different ways for you to support us:
Take the Brain Health Awareness Quiz: https://www.alzincolor.com/brain-health-quiz
Register and view the webinars: https://www.alzincolor.com/webinars
Learn and share our blogs: https://www.alzincolor.com/blog
Share your story: https://www.alzincolor.com/share-your-story

Follow us on our Social Media Platforms. Tag us and use the #AlzinColor hashtag in your messages.
• English-language: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Linktree, TikTok, YouTube
• Spanish-language: Facebook, Instagram

AlzInColor takes privacy seriously. Any personal information, such as your story, is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use: https://www.alzincolor.com/privacy-policy; https://www.alzincolor.com/terms-of-use

Sign up for email updates or follow AlzInColor on social media for new resources, events, and stories.

Join the movement here: https://www.alzincolor.com/subscribe

Follow us on our Social Media Platforms. Tag us and use the #AlzinColor hashtag in your messages.
• English-language: Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Linktree, TikTok, YouTube
• Spanish-language: Facebook, Instagram