While the average lifespan of an African-American has been increasing in recent years this hasn’t resulted in increased health span. The health of our brain has not kept up with the extension in life span. More and more elderly people are suffering from dementia and a disproportionate number of African-Americans are plagued with Alzheimer’s disease.

To make matters worse, the people who are most at risk of developing the disease are much less likely to have it properly diagnosed. According to a study by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, African Americans and Hispanics are more likely to dismiss the symptoms of dementia as just a normal part of ageing. Some 70% of African-Americans versus 53% of Caucasians think that dementia is naturally expected to occur in the elderly. This means that people who display symptoms of early onset Alzheimer’s are not getting the medical attention they require.

While Alzheimer’s disease is incurable at this time not every form of dementia is Alzheimer’s. There are other reasons why an older person will display symptoms of dementia and some of them are treatable. There are circulatory problems that can create moments of forgetfulness and certain pharmaceuticals that can have adverse effects on cognitive abilities. By recognizing the symptoms sooner, medical professionals can make recommendations that may improve the brain health of individuals with certain types of dementia.

Brain health research suggests there are things that you can do to decrease your chances of developing dementia. Improving your overall health will have the biggest impact on your brain’s health as you age. That’s because the brain is vulnerable to damage is caused by poor diet and cardiovascular disease. By beginning an exercise program along with sensible diet rich in fresh vegetables, whole grains and low fat foods you can expand your lifespan and increase your health stand too.

Older adults are advised to seek medical advice before beginning any type of exercise program or a significant change of diet. Start by increasing your physical activity slowly day-by-day, and eventually, ramping up to being much more active than you are right now. Studies have shown that just regular walking, 30 minutes a day, three days a week, will have a dramatic impact on your overall health.

Within months of beginning a walking exercise program, you should see a decrease in high blood pressure, low levels of bad cholesterol, and an increase in energy along with better digestion and sounder sleep. People who regularly walk, live longer, and perform better on cognitive tests. Best of all, it doesn’t cost a thing to get out and start walking. With so much to lose, it’s vital that we encourage our elders to begin a fitness program.