Virtual symposium to look at dementia in communities of color

From 9:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, March 6, the Alzheimer’s Association will host a free virtual symposium focused on the impact of dementia in minority communities.

The event will start with a showing of “In Our Right Mind,” a documentary that follows two families’ struggles to balance their caregiving duties with their daily lives and the memories of who their loved ones once were. It also travels across the country with researchers looking at the impact of Alzheimer’s in communities of color and exploring how to combat the disease when there is no cure.

The film will be followed by a panel discussion featuring producer and narrator Renee Chenault-Fattah; Collette V. Smith, the first female African American coach for the N.Y. Jets, who is also a caregiver for her mother who has dementia; and Pastor Viviana De Cohen of Mount Vernon Heights Congregational Church.

At 11 a.m., Dr. Maria Carrillo, chief science officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, will give a keynote presentation on Alzheimer’s in the minority community. Her talk will be followed by a brief presentation by Dr. Christiane Reitz of Columbia University.

To register, visit the website or call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900.

The symposium is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health. Sponsors include AARP New York; Andrus on Hudson; The Westchester County Chapter of the Links, Inc.; and Westchester Public Private Partnership for Aging Services.

“It is our responsibility to educate and empower our communities of color, especially African Americans about the devastating Alzheimer’s disease, as it is the fourth leading cause of death for African Americans,” said Terry A. Joyner, president of the Westchester County Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. “We are honored again to collaborate with the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter on its third symposium. We look forward to you joining us virtually to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease.”

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

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

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads 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. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org.