Workshop Part I: “I Will Remember for You”: Alzheimer’s Awareness in the African American Community

HEAL Collaborative is partnering with Mount Teman A.M.E. Church in Elizabeth, NJ, to bring a two-part Alzheimer’s educational workshop series. Esteemed subject matter experts will share how Alzheimer’s impacts communities of color and how our participation in clinical trials matters. Caregivers will also join the discussion to provide first-hand accounts of their experiences caring for loved ones during their journey. Local advocacy organizations will share insights and information about their respective supportive resources.

 

African-Americans & Alzheimer’s

The Alzheimer’s Association identified an emerging public health crisis among African-Americans — the Silent Epidemic of Alzheimer’s Disease. This report brings together for the first time an accumulating body of evidence about the scope and nature of Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans.

Each study is important on its own, but only when put together does the magnitude of the

crisis become clear.

Among the findings from research highlighted in this report :

• Alzheimer’s disease is more prevalent among African-Americans than among whites — with estimates ranging from 14% to almost 100% higher

• There, is greater familial risk of Alzheimer’s in African-Americans

• Genetic and environmental factors may work differently to cause Alzheimer disease in

African-Americans.

 

OCTOBER 22: WORKSHOP PART I

“I Will Remember for You”: Alzheimer’s Awareness in the African American Community

Our first workshop will explain the stages of Alzheimer’s, dementia and memory loss. From this educational workshop, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and resources to take next steps in their brain health journey. We will also hear from a Caregiver’s Panel to hear their heartfelt stories.

SPEAKERS

Rev. George Britt, Senior Pastor, Mount Teman A.M.E. Church

Monica Parker, MD, Director, Outreach, Recruitment, Engagement, and Minority Core Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Emory University

Cheryl Bellamy, Ed.D, Assistant Professor, Dept. of Interdisciplinary Studies, Rutgers School of Health Professions

Lorraine Brooks-Body, Cathedral International, Perth Amboy Urban League of Union County, Roselle Board of Education

Lydia Troutman, 1st Baptist Church of Lincoln Gardens, Director, Microbiological Quality & Sterile Assurance, Merck & Co.

Lois Rockson, PhD, MPH, MAEd, SCT(ASCP) Director, Cytotechnology Program, Rutgers School of Health Professions

Rev. Ron Thomas, Secretary and Trustee, Union County Fatherhood Initiative Coalition

Jill Dispenza, Coordinator of Marketing & Social Media and Project Manager, Lifelong, Elizabeth, Jewish Family Services of Central New Jersey

Min. Leugenia Edwers, Community Educator and Support Group Facilitator, Alzheimer’s Association Greater New Jersey Chapter

Rodney Spearman, Chairman, Union County Fatherhood Initiative Coalition

Susan Caputo, LSW – Program Director, Trinitas Regional Medical Center