Second Annual African American Conference: Releasing The Silence and RACEing into Action Against Alzheimer's and Dementia


Second Annual African American Conference: Releasing The Silence and RACEing into Action Against Alzheimer's and Dementia

The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Release The Silence Conference, scheduled for Saturday, April 27, 2024. This event will educate our community, future caregivers, and healthcare professionals about Alzheimer’s disease and all other dementias.

Designed for caregivers, individuals seeking knowledge about the disease, and professionals aiming to understand health disparities affecting the African American community, the conference promises to be an enlightening and empowering experience.

Delia Jervier, Executive Director of the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, will provide invaluable insights into the organization’s efforts to enhance outreach to underserved and disproportionately affected communities. Emphasizing the critical need for resources and support to address the Alzheimer’s.

The event will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. With doors opening at 8:30 a.m., the event will feature a diverse array of speakers covering topics such as the latest treatment options, debunking myths and misconceptions about Alzheimer’s disease, and recognizing signs and symptoms.

Alzheimer’s disease poses a significant challenge to our community, particularly concerning the growing number of African Americans affected by the condition and the support required for their unpaid family caregivers. Statistics reveal that while Alzheimer’s affects all races and ethnicities, African Americans are disproportionately impacted, being twice as likely to develop the disease compared to Caucasians.

In partnership with Chi Eta Phi, Alpha Eta Chapter, Greenwood Oasis, Scottish Rite Prince Hall Masons, and Chicago Citizen Weekly, the Alzheimer’s Association reaffirms its commitment to providing access to vital resources and information, especially to communities most in need.

Key findings from the 2024 Alzheimer’s Association Facts and Figures report underscore the pressing need for action:

Figures report include:

Black caregivers provide more hours of care per week compared to White caregivers.

Black male caregivers are 3.3 times more likely to experience financial burdens when compared

to Black female and White male and female dementia caregivers.

Black, Hispanic and Asian American dementia caregivers indicate greater care demands, less

outside help/formal service use and greater depression compared with White caregivers

Black and Hispanic caregivers noted poorer health prior to becoming a caregiver for a spouse

with dementia than those of similar race/background who did not become caregivers.

Discrimination is also linked with depressive symptoms among Black American dementia

caregivers.


In light of these challenges, the Release The Silence Conference stands as a beacon of hope, unity, and empowerment. By fostering dialogue, disseminating knowledge, and advocating for change, together, we can confront Alzheimer’s and dementia head-on.

Event details:

Greenwood Oasis

7621 S. Greenwood

Chicago, IL 60619

Saturday, April 27, 2024 (9:30 A.M. – 2:30 P.M.)


Join us as we Release The Silence and RACE into Action against Alzheimer's and dementia. Together, we can make a difference. Register now at https://www.alzheimers-illinois.org/education/Release-the-Silence-Conference-2024/ or visit www.alz.org/illinois


About the Alzheimer’s Association®

The Alzheimer's Association is available with information and support for families as they navigate the disease and related research. For more information, visit alz.org/illinois or call the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900.

Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Media Contact: Lionell Martin, lrmartin@alz.org, 773.593.4211

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