Dementia is a disease that is considered a “silent epidemic” in the Black community with Black Americans being “two times more likely to develop late-onset Alzheimer’s disease than whites and less likely to have a diagnosis of their condition, resulting in less time for treatment and planning” (Ellis, 2018). In addition, Black Americans have a higher rate of vascular dementia. (Alzheimer’s Association). The discussion will focus on defining and diagnosing dementia, symptoms, stress, types of dementia, warning signs, causes, medical trials, treatment, and how Black Americans, especially Black women are affected by Dementia. The discussion will also focus on racism (including environmental racism), poverty, and traumas, quality medical care, the psychological, emotional, physical and social well-being of Black Americans living with Dementia, their caregivers, and family members. Dr. Frayon Epps, Ms. Mia Chester, Volunteer & Outreach Manager, Alzheimers Association, Ms. Jacque Thornton, Sr. Vice President, Leading Age Georgia and Board Chair, Sage Navigator will share strategies focusing on moving from “caregiving to care loving” along with her groundbreaking research on equipping faith communities to become “Dementia Friendly Faith Villages.”
