Black Americans are disproportionately affected by cardiovascular disease and dementia. Nowa survey conducted by Alzheimer’s Association and the American Heart Association found that a vast majority of the African-American respondents realized that the two conditions are linked. Factors such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity increase the risk of having a heart attack or a stroke. But only 8 percent realized that such conditions put them at an elevated risk of dementia. Alzheimer’s Association spokeswoman Jennifer Manly estimates that by 2003, the number of African Americans over the age of 65 will double to 6.9 million. “People ages 65 and older are at increased risk of Alzheimer’s, she says.”

You can’t help getting older, but you can reverse your health. Read our report, “Five Heart-Healthy Resolutions for 2008” for tips on building a stronger ticker.

For more info go to americanheart.org and alz.org.