Virtual Program to Look at the Impact of Alzheimer's and Other Dementia on the AA Community

According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2022 Facts & Figures Report, Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s or another dementia as their white counterparts, but less likely to receive a diagnosis. During Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, the Alzheimer’s Association will host a virtual program from 6-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 15, featuring three experts who will address this issue and explore important dementia related topics such as risk factors, the importance of getting a diagnosis, research and more.

“We are pleased to be able to bring together these three accomplished experts to help spread awareness and understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia in the Black community, and hopefully help change the disparities that exist when it comes to how this heartbreaking disease affects families,” said Meg Boyce, Vice President of Programs and Services for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, which helped organize the event.

Speakers participating in “Twice the Risk: Dementia’s Impact on Communities of Color” will include Dr Goldie Byrd, professor of public health sciences and Director of the Maya Angelou Center for Health Equity at Wake Forest School of Medicine; Dr. Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion officer for the Alzheimer’s Association; and Dr. Dozene Guishard, Director of Health and Wellness Initiatives at the Carter Burden Network.

Dr. Goldie Byrd is a former Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Chair of Biology, and the Nathan F. Simms Endowed Distinguished Professor of Biology at North Carolina State University. She conducts research on the genetics of Alzheimer’s disease in African Americans, to understand genetic variants that might attribute to the increased burden of Alzheimer’s disease in this population.

Dr. Carl Hill, Ph.D., MPH, oversees initiatives to strengthen the Association’s outreach to all populations, and providing communities with resources and support to address the Alzheimer’s crisis. He is responsible for developing partnerships with organizations to advance diversity, equity and inclusion. Through his leadership, the Association has broadened its reach into diverse communities.

Dr. Dozene Guishard has extensive experience in the nonprofit, government, public health, aging services and corporate sectors. She currently serves on the National Alzheimer’s Association Board and previously served as Board Chair of the Hudson Valley Chapter.

To learn more and register, visit alz.org/newyork or call the Alzheimer’s Association’s 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900. The first 100 people to register for and attend this event will receive an #ENDALZ thank you package by mail, including resources for caregivers.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900. ​​

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.