The brain is an important organ.
Obviously, but many people don’t consider just how important it is. It controls everything in your body and is completely connected to how you feel, think, act, and behave.
And therein lies a problem. See, because of the sheer complexity of the brain, many things can go wrong. All kinds of neurological conditions can occur, and if you aren’t taking care of both your mental and physical health, your brain will feel it.
So, let’s not waste any more time. Here are six significant disorders that affect the brain and nervous system, especially in Black folks.
1. Stroke
A leading cause of death and disability in the Black community, stroke can hit at younger ages with greater severity. The main reason for this is higher rates of hypertension, diabetes, and obesity. Known as the silent killer, hypertension or high blood pressure can increase stroke risk dramatically.
Excess blood sugar and being overweight may also disrupt blood flow to your brain, potentially triggering a stroke.
If you’re concerned about these risk factors, the first thing you should do is get screened for diabetes and hypertension. As always, try to reduce alcohol and drug intake, aim for 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly, and stay away from unhealthy foods with high saturated fat content.
You can significantly reduce your risks with medical supervision and lifestyle changes.
2. Hypertension
We just touched on this, but let’s go a little deeper.
After all, some studies have indicated that as high as 40 percent of Black Americans have hypertension. There are multiple reasons for this. One is genetic, which experts believe may be linked to differences in the SLC4A5, AGT, APOL1, and EDN1 genes.
Then there are the environmental factors. These typically refer to things such as lack of access to healthy food, poor healthcare, stress exposure, and possible toxins in the air and water.
Your best bet for managing hypertension is to monitor it daily, increase exercise, improve your diet, and take medications as prescribed.
3. Sickle Cell Disease
Although anyone can be born with Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and it is a global disease, it is most pronounced in people of African descent. SCD is a genetic disorder that parents can pass down to their children. SCD is caused by a genetic mutation that changes your red blood cells. In other words, rather than being disc-shaped, they’re shaped like crescents or sickles.
Sufferers face issues such as anemia, increased infection rates, and sometimes debilitating pain.
Despite no universal cure, some treatments exist such as hydroxyurea and blood transfusions. There are also ‘genetic counseling’ programs that can give you a better idea of what you face and how to personalize a tailored treatment plan.
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4. Vascular Dementia
The second most common form of dementia, vascular dementia is caused by disrupted blood supply to the brain. Unfortunately, due to higher risks of long-term hypertension and strokes in Black folks, vascular dementia is more likely.
But here’s the good news. Whether you’re experiencing cognitive decline due to vascular dementia or want to prevent such issues, knowing your risk factors is key.
So, talk to your doctor. Get your blood pressure under control if you need to, change your habits (i.e., weight loss and exercise), and do your best to live a more holistic, all-around-healthier life.
5. Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy occurs as a complication of diabetes, impacting your nerves and leading to symptoms such as pain, numbness, and weakness. There are 2 types of diabetes. Type 1, which is insulin-dependent diabetes, and Type 2, which is non-insulin-dependent diabetes. Because Black people are more likely to have Type 2 diabetes, they are at a higher risk of developing diabetic neuropathy.
In some cases, peripheral neuropathy may cause a loss of feeling in the feet and hands. In other cases, something called autonomic neuropathy may cause involuntary movements, even contributing to digestive and cardiovascular problems.
The best bet to change this is to keep your sugar levels in check. You can do this with diet, exercise, and medication as needed. Regular foot exams also help to ensure unnecessary nerve damage.
6. Multiple Sclerosis
This autoimmune disorder affects the central nervous system, causing everything from fatigue to mobility issues. Although it’s less prevalent in Black populations, research indicates that occurrences may be more severe and aggressive.
To handle its many neurological issues, like cognitive difficulties and vision problems, don’t ignore symptoms. A neurological specialist can help pinpoint the causes and get you on a multifaceted treatment plan as soon as possible.
And that’s what health is when you think about it. Getting healthy and staying healthy requires that you listen to your body and mind, nourish your body and mind, and enjoy your body and mind. By having a positive attitude and taking a well-rounded and positive approach to life, your health can truly be optimized.
Medical Review by:
Dr. Brenda Faye Merriweather
Dr. Brenda Merriweather is a Clinical Nurse Specialist who recently earned her Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Walden University. With a deep passion for improving care for individuals with Sickle Cell Disease, she has held several key roles in prominent healthcare institutions, including Baptist Health System, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Johns Hopkins University, and the National Institutes of Health.
