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As Pittsburgh ages, Black families shoulder heavy dementia care burden

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Velouise Bell, 69, was visiting her son in New York when she received a call that her house was on fire. Her husband, Darrell, was home alone at the time in the summer of 2023. To this day, Bell does not know exactly how the fire was started, but she remembers it as a clear sign that her husband of 48 years was starting to experience memory loss.

Around 20% of Allegheny County’s population is 65 and older, according to recent studies, placing among the highest concentrations of seniors of any large U.S. county. Of the adults 65 and over, 12% have an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, and even more seniors battle other forms of dementia.

The county’s aging population brings a growing need for dementia care, and that support often comes from within the home. Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s or dementia places heavy demands on the caregiver, which can significantly impact their mental health.

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