LANSING, MI (WSYM)-- Gwendolyn Taylor's father Garnie Taylor witnessed a lot in his lifetime from fighting in WWII, being apart of the first Mid-Michigan Honor Flight, living through the segregated south, and witnessing several lynchings.
However, nothing was as traumatic as the day he lost his wife of 50 years.
"My father was so traumatized, he didn't even know how to call 911," Taylor said.
She said that moment changed their lives forever.
"At that point, he was just very confused, but the trauma and the loss was so traumatic for him. It was the trauma that really set him off."
Things like forgetfulness and falling started to happen.
Gwendolyn took on the responsibility of taking care of him until his death this year in April.
She is among many family members across America who've experienced this, but this is something the Alzheimer's Association said African American families are experiencing more than other races.
"African Americans have what we call these stressful life events about 60% percent greater than their white counterparts," Jennifer Howard said.
Howard attended the Alzheimer's Association International Research Conference in London in July where they explained "life stressors" contribute to higher risk of getting Alzheimer's.
The loss of a loved one or a job, even being in combat are all considered life stressors, and can age your brain.
Also, people are living longer which puts them at higher risk for Alzheimer's.
"We have more than 5 million people living in the United States with Alzheimer's disease, and that number is set to almost triple by the end of the year 2050," Howard said.
Gwendolyn and the Alzheimer's Association are trying to spread the message to minorities to seek assistance, because it's not something you can deal with on your own.
To find out the signs of Alzheimer's Disease and for help, visit http://www.alz.org/contact_us_contact_us.asp
