On episode 22 of My American Meltingpot, we talk about the sixth leading cause of death in America, Alzheimer’s. After all, November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month and Alzheimer’s doesn’t discriminate. And yes, we talk about statistics and studies, but because this is the Meltingpot, what we’re really focused on is the impact Alzheimer’s has in communities of color, the toll of Alzheimer’s on families and caregivers, and what we can all do to help bring more attention to finding a cure for this tragic disease that kills our loved ones, not once, but twice.
Joining me for this important conversation is journalist, award-winning author and self-proclaimed Alzheimer’s activist, Marita Golden. Golden, a literary legend, is the author of 17 works of fiction and nonfiction. Her most recent books both deal with Alzheimer’s; The Wide Circumference of Love is a novel and Us Against Alzheimer’s is an anthology of essays and stories written by a multicultural collection of authors. Us Against Alzheimer’s was just released in September of this year.
There’s so much to learn about Alzheimer’s and believe it or not, it’s not all bad news. I hope you listen to this important episode.
The Meltingpot Minute
In keeping with the health related theme of the episode, the Meltingpot Minute is about epilepsy. November is also National Epilepsy Awareness Month. Tune in to find out why bringing this chronic condition out of the shadows is important to me.
Resources from the Show
Guest Marita Golden is not on social media, but she does have a comprehensive website where you can download chapters from her books, sign up for her newsletter and stay up to date on her latest projects.
Both of Marita Golden’s books about Alzheimer’s are worth a read and will give you an entirely new sense of empathy for Alzheimer’s victims and their caregivers. If you want a novel, read The Wide Circumference of Love. If you’re interested in nonfiction, then try, Us Against Alzheimer’s; Stories of Family, Love and Faith. Both books are excellent.
Us Against Alzheimer’s isn’t just the name of a book, it’s the name of an inclusive, global non-profit dedicated to finding a cure for Alzheimer’s by 2020.
In 2017, Marita Golden wrote this article for the Washington Post about Alzheimer’s in the African American community. It was the catalyst for much of her future activism.
A sobering report about Latinos and Alzheimer’s from the Chicago Tribune.
How Sweden is preparing for the increasing population of Alzheimer’s patients.
Do you have an Alzheimer’s story to share? I’d love to hear it.
