Charlotte- “I Will Remember You” A Community Conversation on Alzheimer’s in Communities of Color
October 21, 2023 @ 10:00 am - October 28, 2023 @ 12:30 pm EDT
HEAL Collaborative is partnering with Grier Heights Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC, 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.
OCTOBER 21: WORKSHOP PART I
Alzheimer’s: Symptoms, Early Diagnosis and Caregivers’ Panel
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia. More than 4 million Americans have AD. The disease is characterized by memory loss, language deterioration, poor judgment, and an indifferent attitude. Dementia is a brain disorder that seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities. It involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language. Healthy brain tissue dies or deteriorates, causing a steady decline in memory and mental abilities.
The goals of PART I of this education program are to help attendees:
1) Understand Alzheimer’s and Dementia and recognize the signs and symptoms to promote early diagnosis
2) Build a therapeutic alliance between physician and caregiver as an essential element in successfully managing their loved one living with AD
3) Learn, understand and apply techniques to reduce behavioral disturbances in a compassionate way, promote independence, activity and socialization to limit the need for pharmacological management
4) Learn about available training programs and social support resources for caregivers.
OCTOBER 28: WORKSHOP PART II
Alzheimer’s: Diversity in Clinical Trials Participation & Policy
Without clinical research and adequate representation, there wouldn’t be sufficient information to provide African Americans with preventative measures, treatment, or a possible cure for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Workshop II will examine the role of clinical trials in advancing potentially promising treatment options for Alzheimer’s. We will also highlight the importance of including our children in conversations about their family member’s experiences with Alzheimer’s. Expert panelists will also explain the distinction between dementia and mental illness by sharing the symptoms and why seeking a professional diagnosis is vital.
PART II WORKSHOP GOALS: To increase awareness of Alzheimer’s among African Americans and other communities of color to expand their participation in research and to get care, services, and treatments to those who are affected by the disease. Participants will learn the history and benefits of clinical trials. Healthcare professionals will discuss the process of enrolling in clinical trials and strategies to increase African-American recruitment and retention in clinical trials.
This event is being held both in-person and virtually. Please select how you plan to attend when registering. Lunch is being provided for all registered in-person attendees.
This event is in partnership with: