ALZHEIMERS-DISEASE IN AFRICAN-AMERICAN AND WHITE FAMILIES - A CLINICAL ANALYSIS

Social workers and other clinicians are increasingly facing the effects of Alzheimer's disease on the individual and family. Alzheimer's disease is the fourth largest cause of death among U.S. adults, killing more than 100,000 persons annually. More than four million Americans are diagnosed with this disorder. Greater knowledge about the disease and coping patterns among various client groups is essential. This paper discusses Alzheimer's and focuses on racial differences in the strategies families use to cope with this debilitating disorder. Case examples illustrate some of these differences.