African-Americans are twice as likely as white Americans to develop Alzheimer’s disease. They’re also less likely to get a diagnosis.
Education is key to raising awareness within the African American Community, and one way to do that is through the arts. That’s exactly what’s happening Saturday night at the Herberger Theatre.
The idea behind the play "Forget Me Not Project" is to talk about an issue that a lot of people avoid, regardless of their ethnicity.
Stephanie Monroe is the executive director of AfricanAmericansAgainstAlzheimer’s. She says African-Americans don’t always seek medical care. She also says clinical participation is low. Health care fears, a lack of trust and a lingering stigma are some reasons why.
"One of the things that our community, especially the faith community prides itself on when you Wake up in morning thank god for having your right mind. So when you begin to show challenges in mind, tis really scary, people wonder have you been cursed in some way and they don’t tend to seek help," Monroe said.
AfricanAmericansAgainstAlzheimer’s has partnered with Banner Alzheimer’s Institute to bring the play to the Valley.
Angela Allen is with BAI. She says Arizona has a low percentage of African Americans, but she hopes the message resonates.
"That they are now aware of the disease and not brushing it off as if it was something else and also, getting more involved," Allen said.
The play is sold out, but Monroe says they plan to come back to Phoenix for another performance.
