On October 26th, the African-American Outreach program held a reception at the home of Lou-Ellen Barkan, Chapter President & CEO. The purpose of the reception was to acquaint African-American community leaders and health care providers with Chapter objectives, goals and the availability of our programs and services.We were very fortunate to have Congressman Charles B. Rangel join us in lending his influential voice to the importance of our message.

We asked our guests to inform their organizations of our concerns regarding the African- American community and of our desire to provide knowledgeable speakers to address their membership about Alzheimer’s disease, other forms of dementia, and the Alzheimer’s Association.

We had the pleasure of introducing three outstanding guest speakers. Karen Bell,M.D., and Jennifer Manly,M.D., neurologists at the Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer’s Disease at Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center, and Janus Adams, award winning author and columnist.

Dr. Bell spoke passionately about the importance of early intervention and the resources available for early diagnosis. Dr. Manly, in her inspiring talk, discussed the research she is involved in challenging the concept of greater incidence of dementia among African- Americans. She also cited findings that indicate a correlation between degrees of literacy and level of education with the incidence of Alzheimer’s disease among minority populations.

Our final speaker, Ms. Adams, shared her poignant and personal story as a caregiver, and some of the obstacles she has faced as an African-American caring for her mother with Alzheimer’s disease.

We will continue to follow up with these organizations to continue to further foster and deepen our relationships in the community.

— Rosemary Irving,
Manager, African-American Outreach

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