LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN)—A mother’s love and care often fuel her children for a lifetime. For one Lincoln mom, the love she shares with her daughter is now being poured back into her after a heartbreaking diagnosis.

For decades, Miss Bettie J. Brown styled more than just hair. She shaped lives, welcoming anyone and everyone into her salon. But after she was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia, her daughter, Myssy Brown, left her own life and home in Texas to take care of her mother in Nebraska.

“She’s irreplaceable to me,” Myssy said. “It’s been a lot of an adjustment, but you only get one mother… I’d do it all over again.”

Today, Myssy has become a pioneer for raising awareness of forms of dementia in the black community by sharing her mother’s story.

Ms. Bettie was one of the few cosmetologists in Lincoln who specialized in Black hair. Her salon, Hair Suite, was more than just a business- it was a space for healing, support, and community.

Her daughter, Myssy, said her mom taught herself how to do hair while attending The College of Hair Design– then taught others.

But in 2013, Ms. Bettie began experiencing headaches and was later diagnosed with an aneurysm. Then, came more troubling signs, confusion, memory loss, and changes Myssy couldn’t explain.

In 2022, Ms. Bettie was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia– the second most common form of dementia after Alzheimer’s.

“You’re forgetting to eat; you’re forgetting to do major things,” Myssy added, describing the changes occurring in her mother.

“I want other people like me and my mom to know there are resources out there. I think a lot of time in our community, we are scared to reach out to see who doesn’t have them.”

She said right now, Lincoln care homes lack diversity, and Ms. Bettie struggles to feel seen or understood. So, Myssy partnered with the Alzheimer’s Association Nebraska Chapter to spread awareness about dementia in black and brown communities. Those communities often have stigma around mental or cognitive concerns, which prevent people from seeking help.

“Having different resources like what’s at the Alzheimer’s Association can make the difference in someone’s quality of care that they provide,” said Jenna Hynek with the Alzheimer’s Association. “The Association makes sure your loved one is getting appropriate resources.”

Myssy continues to raise awareness for more inclusive dementia care in Nebraska.

Ms. Bettie’s Hair Suite Salon had to close after 40 years of business. However, Ms. Bettie’s granddaughter, Cushiera Usher, now carries on her legacy with her own salon in Galveston, Texas.

If you have a loved one recently diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia or other forms, help and support are available.

To reach out and learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association, click here.

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