TIMONIUM, Md. — The Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland Chapter will host the Tenth Annual Pythias A. and Virginia I. Jones African-American Community Forum on Memory Loss, Saturday, November 1, 2014 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Coppin State University located at 2500 W. North Avenue in Baltimore.
Over 425 family caregivers, health professionals, business leaders and policymakers are expected to attend the event, which is named in honor of the parents of State Senator Verna L. Jones-Rodwell, Ernestine Jones Jolivet, Alvin A. Jones, Pythias D. Jones, MD and the late Gilda Jones-Garrett, who were affected by dementia.
“The Pythias A. and Virginia I. Jones African American Forum on Memory Loss started the dialogue on Alzheimer’s and over the years, more and more people are opening up to share their story, ask questions and spread awareness,” said Jones
Jolivet, who serves on Maryland’s Virginia I. Jones Council on Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and Alzheimer’s Association Greater Maryland Chapter Board of Directors. “We have come a long way in 10 years.”
Research suggests that the prevalence, incidence and cumulative risk of Alzheimer’s disease appear to be much higher in African-Americans, and older African-Americans are about twice as likely to have Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Additionally, blood pressure and diabetes, which are more prevalent in African-American and Hispanic people, may increase one’s risk for Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.
With this in mind, keynote addresses will include a presentation from Dr. Warachal Faison (Pfizer, Inc.) on the impact of Alzheimer’s research on the African-American community and Dr. Ann Morrison (Copper Ridge Institute and Morrison & Associates) on managing behavioral difficulties in dementia and life.
Afternoon breakout sessions include presentations on the legal and financial problems that arise with an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, caregiver stress, and research and information on other types of dementia. Additionally, two event sponsors will provide health screenings: Baltimore City Health System will provide nutrition consultations and eye screenings and Coppin State University’s Helene Fuld School of Nursing will provide blood pressure screenings.
Courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association and the other event sponsors, AARP, Allegis Group and Eli Lilly, admission is free and includes a continental breakfast and lunch. However, registration is required by October 27, 2014. To register or for more information, call the Alzheimer’s Association at 1-800-272-3900 or visit www.alz.org/maryland.