“Brain Health Starts at Home: A Personal Call to Action”

Shon Lowe’s story shows how one woman turned a family crisis into a lesson for everyone. Her mother, Terrie Montgomery, began buying the same items repeatedly and losing track of details—small signs that were easily ignored in many households. In Black communities, these hints are often swept under the rug, with families hoping that memory problems will fade or be dismissed by doctors. Lowe’s mother was finally diagnosed with early‑onset Alzheimer’s after years of conflicting medical advice and fragmented care. The diagnosis arrived too late to change the trajectory, but it sparked a new conversation in Lowe’s own life. At 51, she asked her primary care doctor about an APOE‑4 genetic test—a marker linked to Alzheimer’s. The doctor dismissed her concerns as “too young, ” so Lowe sought a neurologist who still refused to order the test, citing policy. Undeterred, Lowe paid for the test herself and discovered she carried a genetic risk. When her doctor suggested menopause as the cause of her brain fog, Lowe insisted on further evaluation.Neuroimaging and cognitive tests confirmed early decline, giving her a window to act. She now uses neurofeedback therapy and lifestyle changes—better diet, exercise, and regular monitoring—to strengthen vulnerable brain areas. Lowe’s experience highlights how the health system often treats dementia only after it has progressed, leaving families with few options. Early detection and proactive care can preserve independence and dignity. For Black families, the stakes are higher: they face twice the risk of dementia yet encounter more barriers to clear information and tailored treatment. Lowe urges that memory changes should not be shrugged off as “normal aging. ” Open dialogue in homes, churches, and clinics can replace fear with preparedness. When families advocate together, they pave the way for earlier diagnoses, better care, and longer, fuller lives. Her mother’s optimistic words—“Just because I have dementia doesn’t mean dementia has me”—encourage everyone to start the conversation now, not later.