Emory University’s Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center Awarded Grant for African American Community Outreach Program in Metro-Atlanta from Alzheimer’s Foundation of America
Initiative Provides Educational Programs and Encourages Greater Participation in Alzheimer’s Research for African Americans, Who are Twice as Likely to Develop Alzheimer’s Disease
(February 27, 2024) — The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) has awarded a $200,000 grant to Emory University’s Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) to support their community outreach program which provides educational programs to African Americans about brain health and reducing their risk of Alzheimer’s, as well as encouraging them to participate in Alzheimer’s research.
African Americans are disproportionately affected by Alzheimer’s disease. While Alzheimer’s affects all races and ethnicities, it occurs twice as frequently among African Americans, according to the Goizueta ADRC. Research suggests that these disparities may be related to a higher incidence of hypertension, genetic influences, and environmental exposures.
Goizueta ADRC also notes that African Americans are often diagnosed at the later stages of the disease, when neurological damage is more advanced, indicating that they are more reluctant to see a physician about memory loss or other dementia symptoms, partly due to social factors such as lack of access or distrust of the healthcare system due to experienced or perceived discrimination.
To address these challenges, Goizueta ADRC launched an outreach program to the African American community in metro-Atlanta, working with trusted community leaders to connect people with services and education through free public events. The events provided information about Alzheimer’s and other dementia-related illnesses, the warning signs, ways to reduce risk, and the importance of early detection. AFA previously awarded a $50,000 grant to support the Goizueta ADRC’s efforts.
To further expand this program, Goizueta ADRC launched the Minority Men’s Health Program, a monthly program for men of color to address key strategies to reduce their risk of developing a dementia-related illness, as well as increase their participation in research, where they are underrepresented. Each session uses education, exercise, and dialogue to create a place where men can learn about wellness and take charge of their health. Participation in research is promoted as a means of improving health behaviors. The $200,000 AFA grant will support this program.
Dr. Monica Parker, Director of the Outreach, Recruitment, and Education (ORE) Core, and the Minority Engagement Core (MEC) at Emory University’s Goizueta ADRC and a member of AFA’s Medical, Scientific, and Memory Screening Advisory Board, said “These funds will allow us to expand our successful outreach into the larger metro Atlanta community of minority men.”
Individuals interested in learning more or participating in Goizueta ADRC’s program can call 404-712-0367.
“AFA is pleased to work with the Goizueta ADRC to break down barriers and work to eliminate health disparities,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President & CEO. “Their outreach program empowers African Americans with knowledge to help reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s and get actively involved in finding a cure by participating in research. We are pleased to help them enhance their efforts by making this investment in hope.”
AFA is able to fund projects such as this through the generosity of individuals and organizations. Those wishing to make a donation to support AFA can visit www.alzfdn.org/donate. Support and services for families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia-related illnesses are available through AFA’s Helpline by calling 866-232-8484, sending a text message to 646-586-5283, or web chatting at www.alzfdn.org. The AFA Helpline is available 7 days a week.
