December 9 African American Community Forum provides dementia resource

Dementia experts provide information and resources on Saturday, December 9, 2023, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the 19th Annual Pythias A. and Virginia I. Jones African American Community Forum on Memory Loss. The Alzheimer's Association-sponsored free event for family caregivers and healthcare professionals is at Morgan State University, University Student Center, Calvin and Tina Tyler Ballroom, 1700 East Cold Spring Lane, Baltimore, MD 21251. Registration is required at bit.ly/AAForum2023. "The importance of early detection to access Alzheimer's treatments and adopting behaviors that promote risk reduction are the messages for this year's forum," says Marlyn Taylor, Alzheimer's Association diversity and inclusion manager.

Forum topics and resources address Maryland ranking as the state with highest dementia prevalence for residents age 65 and older. Baltimore City is among the top three region's in the U.S. with a dementia prevalence of 16.6%. Maryland's highest dementia prevalence regions are Baltimore City-16.6%, Baltimore County-13.1% and Prince George's County-16.3% with each having majority African American populations.

Keynote speaker Percy Griffin, Ph.D., director of Scientific Engagement, Alzheimer's Association National Office, presents Alzheimer's Research Update: Progress, Questions & Opportunities. Breakout sessions include legal and financial planning; long-term care; medical research in Maryland; innovative initiatives by the Maryland Department of Aging; and navigating to care services.

A continental breakfast and lunch are provided.