Due to multiple historical and socioeconomic factors, Black Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to develop late-onset Alzheimer’s disease, yet significantly less likely to be diagnosed with the condition.
In a recent blog post, The Family Institute at Northwestern University’s online Master of Arts in Counseling program addressed how counselors who deal with dementia in the Black American community must consider multiple factors that can contribute to poor mental health among Black people.
“It takes counselors to get out there to advocate for the needs of our communities,” said Dr. Tonya Davis, a licensed clinical professional counselor (LCPC) and core faculty member for Counseling@Northwestern.
Dr. Davis recommends counselors assess client needs, identify potential barriers, and determine if resource access is equitable: “For someone who may have just gotten an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, imagine the