Film: “In Our Right Mind”
This year continues what started last year, traveling the country and showing In Our Right Mind in community settings- whether it is a church, community group or school. It’s all about sparking dialogue around Alzheimer’s and caregiver support, presenting information around treatment breakthroughs the renewed emphasis on prevention and how promoting brain health is a necessary strategy for your entire life.
And the New Year starts with exciting news:
On January 16th, 2025 we will hold the first meeting of the Philadelphia African American Community Action Network spearheaded by the Delaware Valley Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.
I am excited to be leading this group of engaged Black Philadelphians focused on bringing information, advocacy and support to people living with Alzheimer's and Dementia, their caregivers and to all those, regardless of race who are concerned about fighting neurodegenerative diseases.
Please check back to learn how you can join us.
African American caregivers conference last May which sparked the formation of the Philadelphia Black African American Caregivers Action Network.
Background on How we Pivoted During Covid
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As soon as the country went into lock down, resourceful partners enabled us to continue to show our film and tell this
important story.
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Drexel University's College of Nursing and Health Professions held a Virtual Conference on Dementia where, via Zoom,
I presented the issues of Alzheimer’s, Communities of Color and the intersection of Covid-19.
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The following month we screened "In Our Right Mind" and gave a lecture, again virtually, as part of the Bayada Health Speaker Series.
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We shared our film at the Knight Alzheimer Disease Research Center at Washington University School ion Medicine School of Medicine in St. Louis. Special thanks to WUSL Provost Dr. Beverly Wendland and Associate Professor of Neurology , Dr. Joyce
Balls Berry for making it happen.
Trailer: "In Our Right Mind: Alzheimer’s and Dementia’s Impact on Communities of Color"
Midday Maryland / 2WMAR-ABC Interview
Please visit: seniorlawcenter.org for more information on resources and help for Older Pennsylvanians.
Everyday I come across more information and organizations dedicated to bringing awareness, support and resources so periodically I will be updating this list.
Resources & Information
Alzheimer’s Association:
The leading voluntary health organization in the US for Alzheimer’s research and care.
Alzheimer’s Los Angeles:
They provide a host of free support services to people with Alzheimer’s, their families and communities
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Us Against Alzheimer’s:
Works with organizations to help Alzheimer’s community and supports research and drug discovery.
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Center for Outreach In Alzheimers Aging and Community Health:
Focused on research and creative, community based outreach aimed at the African American community.
Leaders Engaged on Alzheimer’s Disease (LEAD):
90 member organizations committed to stopping Alzheimer's and dementia.
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Bioportfolio:
Source for current research in life sciences, pharmaceutical, clinical trials and healthcare news.
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Cure Alzheimer’s Fund:
Funds research with the highest probability of preventing, slowing, or reversing Alzheimer’s disease.
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Alzheimers Foundation of America (AFA):
AFA's mission is to provide optimal care and services to individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and related illnesses and to their families and caregivers. Alzfdn.org
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Alzheimer’s Research UK:
Based in the United Kingdom focused on research Founded in 1992 to defeat Alzheimer's and dementia through research.
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Dementia Uk:
Although providing care services in the United Kingdom this site is a great resource for innovative care services and approaches.
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Fisher Center for Alzheimer’s Research Foundation
Fisher foundation focused on research to find a cure and support for caregivers.
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Clinical Trials
Many research teaching institutions and several of the organizations listed above post clinical trials on their website.
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A convenient resource is The National Institute for Aging which is a locator for clinical trials.
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Blogs
There are a host of wonderful blogs out there, most started by people who are caregivers for their loved ones with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. Here are a few that I look to for helpful information and insight:
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Alzheimer's Reading Room
Bob Demarco’s blog is widely considered the gold standard providing a wealth of information, insights and resources. Their mission: to help everyone to better understand, cope, and communicate with a person living with dementia.
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Terri Anderson created CareGiversDepot" as a centralized place to share stories,
tips, and advice”. She wanted a place to provide answers for long term care and support that was not available on line.
This is a general site for caregiving but their website blog has posts that shed light on the challenges faced by caregivers.