Bodrick’s grandmother, great-aunt and several other family members battled Alzheimer’s disease before passing away.
NASHVILLE (WTVF) — Data shows that Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease as older white Americans.
Despite their increased risk, Black Americans are also underrepresented in clinical trials, making up 5% or fewer of all trial participants. These statistics are alarming for 26-year-old Angel Bodrick.
“If we have more African Americans or Hispanics or Asians in these trials, then you’ll be able to look at the different factors that those races and ethnicities have,” Bodrick said.
Bodrick’s grandmother, great-aunt and several other family members battled Alzheimer’s disease before passing away.
“My grandmother, her twin sister and my great aunt both suffered from Alzheimer’s,” Bodrick said.
Their health problems pushed her to learn more about the disease. She currently holds a Ph.D. student at Meharry Medical College and researching Alzheimer’s disease at Vanderbilt.
“I look at the difference between patients with normal cognitive function and patients with Alzheimer’s disease,” Bodrick explained.
His studies show how this affects the black community more. “African Americans tend to have more high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity. All of these different things also contribute to the progression of Alzheimer’s disease,” Bodrick said.
She said Black patients are also more likely to be diagnosed in the later stages of the disease.
“In the black community, you’re supposed to be strong. You’re supposed to have it all together and that’s one of the main reasons,” Bodrick said.
She says it’s important to take care of your body in your 20s and 30s.
“Monitor your stress levels. Find different ways to manage stress, whether that’s through therapy or exercise,” Bodrick said.
Currently, two drugs are currently approved by the FDA and one drug is in the approval process to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease in the early stages.
“It’s basically targeting one of the proteins that is prevalent in Alzheimer’s disease and causes cell death in the brain,” Bodrick said.
Bodrick continues to see living relatives diagnosed with the disease.
She fears for her future health, but she hopes research can lead to a cure.
“My grandmother would be very proud. She always told me I could do anything and go anywhere as long as I kept God first. Also do what I’m passionate about,” Bodrick said.
The Tennessee Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association is offering special programming for Black History Month, including a free, virtual program on Feb. 29 at noon titled “The Face of the Black Church.”
They will be joined by members of the faith community for a discussion about Alzheimer’s disease and its impact on the Black community.
Bodrick is also a team captain for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in Nashville and walks in honor of his grandmother and great aunt.
