Alzheimer's & Dementia in Communities of Color

160 Madison Avenue,Elizabeth NJ 07201

22 October, 2022

Description

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.    *This event is being held both in-person and virtually. Please select how you plan to attend when registering.* 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 OCTOBER 29: WORKSHOP PART II Alzheimer’s: Diversity in Clinical Trials Participation & Brain Health   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 it’s vital to seek a professional diagnosis. SPEAKERS: Rev. George Britt, Senior Pastor, Mount Teman A.M.E. Church  Michelle Papka, Ph.D., Principal Investigator, Director and Founder, The Cognitive and Research Center of New Jersey Emma Wallace, MD, Ph.D., Neurologist  George Banning, MD, Psychiatrist  Valencia Julien, Author, Giselle Learns About Alzheimer’s and NAACP Freedom Fund Youth Council Award recipient This event is in partnership with: HEAL Collaborative Biogen Lifelong Elizabeth Union County Fatherhood Initiative Jewish Family Service of Central New Jersey Jefferson Park Compassion Ministries Nesbitt Funeral Home Trinitas Regional Medical Center