Alzheimer’s Association’s Annual African-American Memory Loss Forum Taking Place Nov. 5 at Coppin State

Timonium Md. – The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland Chapter will present the 12th Annual Pythias A. and Virginia I. Jones African-American Community Forum on Memory Loss, Saturday, Nov. 5, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., at Coppin State University’s Talon Center (2500 W. North Ave.) in Baltimore.

Designed to inform the community about memory loss, support caregivers, share the promise of research and teach how to get involved in helping conquer this disease, the Forum is named in memory of the parents of former State Senator Verna L. Jones-Rodwell, Ernestine Jones Jolivet, Alvin A. Jones, Pythias D. Jones, MD and the late Gilda Jones-Garrett, who were both affected by dementia.

Research suggests that the prevalence, incidence and cumulative risk of Alzheimer’s disease appear to be much higher in African-Americans, and older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias than older whites. Additionally, blood pressure and diabetes, which are more prevalent in African-American and Hispanic people, may increase one’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.

Over 400 family caregivers, health professionals, business leaders and policymakers are expected to attend this year’s Forum. Dr. Goldie Byrd (Professor of Biology and Interim Executive Director, Center for Outreach in Alzheimer’s Aging and Community Health, North Carolina A&T State University) will give the keynote speech on Engaging and Empowering Communities to Address the Growing Public Health Challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease in the 21st Century.)

Breakout sessions will cover such topics as: legal planning, managing brain health and caregiver stress, and ministering to families coping with memory loss. Attendees also can receive the following complimentary health screenings: blood pressure screenings provided by Coppin State University Nursing Department, glaucoma screenings provided by the Johns Hopkins Wilmer Eye Institute and flu shots provided by Rite Aid to attendees who bring their health insurance information.

Event admission is free and includes a continental breakfast and lunch, courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association and event sponsors: Allegis Group, Baltimore City Health System, Coppin State University’s Helene Fuld School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins Memory & Alzheimer’s Treatment Center, Johns Hopkins Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Johns Hopkins Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program, Pharmasite Research and WeCare Private Duty Services.

Registration is required by Oct. 28. For more information or to register, call 800.272.3900 or visit www.alz.org/maryland.

The Alzheimer's Association is the world’s leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer's disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer's®. Visit alz.org/maryland or call 800.272.3900.