— Black History Month event brings together respected leaders to discuss strategies for engaging Black Americans in Alzheimer’s and dementia research, clinical trials —

CHICAGO, Feb. 1, 2024 — In honor of Black History Month, the Alzheimer’s Association Black/African American Workgroup will host a webinar, “Clinical Trials & Research in the Black Community: Addressing Stigmas and Breaking Barriers,” on Feb. 23 at noon CST.

The one-hour webinar will feature a robust panel discussion examining the importance of increasing trial participation, health disparities among underserved populations and potential strategies for improving trial participation to create a path toward a more equitable future. Registration for the program is free.

The panel will be moderated by Tia Delaney-Stewart, director, diversity, equity and inclusion, Alzheimer’s Association, California Southland Chapter. Carl V. Hill, chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer, Alzheimer’s Association, will provide the opening remarks. Panelists for the webinar include:
 

• Rhonda Smith, executive director, California Black Health Network.
• Tony Wafford, staff research associate, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior.
• Kellee Bacote, project manager, Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health.

Older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than White Americans. Black Americans are less likely to receive a diagnosis. Black Americans are also severely underrepresented in clinical trials, including those for the two FDA-approved treatments available for people living with early-stage Alzheimer’s.

“Engaging underrepresented and underserved communities in Alzheimer’s and dementia research and enrolling more participants in clinical trials is critically important,” said Hill. “Clinical trials that are inclusive can improve our understanding of how diagnostic tools, treatments, clinical care and other resources can address these relevant factors and ultimately eliminate disparities.”

Throughout February, the Alzheimer’s Association is celebrating Black trailblazers by highlighting notable accomplishments of Black Americans in the fight against Alzheimer’s on its social media channels and blog. The Association is also coordinating events and important discussions that examine disease-related issues affecting Black Americans. Learn more about what the Alzheimer’s Association is doing to provide care and support and address disparities for African Americans living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a proud sponsor of the third annual Black Men’s Brain Health Conference taking place Feb. 6-7 in Las Vegas. An important focus of the conference will be developing community-based strategies for engaging more Black men in Alzheimer’s and dementia research. Registration is free and open to all.

“Advancing diversity, equity and inclusion is a year-round commitment at the Alzheimer’s Association,” Hill said. “Black History Month provides an additional opportunity to amplify our ongoing work and to celebrate the many partners and champions working with us to ensure greater health equity for all communities, especially those hit hardest by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia.”
 

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®. Visit alz.org or call 800.272.3900.