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. Hopefully it will 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 Unversity. 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, overseas initiatives to strenghtn 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, again 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. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900. or visit alz.org/hudsonvalley, for more information.
