Alzheimer's disease impacts thousands of families across Philadelphia, disproportionately affecting Black communities.
On Saturday, Sept. 12, the Alzheimer's Association Southeastern Pennsylvania Chapter will host its fourth annual Black/African American Caregiver Symposium, a free event designed to connect caregivers and families with education, practical guidance and community resources. It is sponsored in part by PA Health and Wellness and Highmark Wholecare.
The symposium will be held from 10:45 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, 642 N. Broad Street, and is open to anyone caring for or supporting a loved one with dementia.
According to the Alzheimer's Association, more than 282,000 Pennsylvanians are living with Alzheimer's disease, supported by an estimated 472,000 family caregivers statewide. In Philadelphia alone, more than 34,000 residents age 65 and older are living with the disease.
The burden falls unevenly. Black Americans are nearly twice as likely as White Americans to develop Alzheimer's or another dementia, and more than one in five Black Americans age 70 and older is living with the disease.
Awareness is also an important part of addressing Alzheimer’s and dementia. More than half of Black Americans believe serious memory loss is a normal part of aging, but it isn’t, and pushing back on that common misperception matters.
Research also suggests that healthy habits that support brain health can help reduce the risk of cognitive decline and possibly dementia. For those experiencing memory loss, recognizing changes and seeking an early diagnosis can also open the door to treatment options that may slow the progression of the disease.
Part of the symposium's mission is to build awareness while giving caregivers information they can use in their own families.
The event will cover early warning signs of Alzheimer’s and dementia, including memory loss that disrupts daily life, difficulty planning or solving problems, and trouble completing familiar tasks. Learning to recognize these changes can help families understand when memory concerns may be more than a typical part of aging.
Attendees will also learn:
Caregivers and experts will also share practical advice during a live Q&A session. The conversational format will focus on the specific needs of Philadelphia's Black community.
The symposium is one piece of a broader network of support available to local families.
Year-round, the Alzheimer's Association offers free Alzheimer’s education programs for individuals and businesses, as well as in-person and virtual support groups. These resources help families better understand Alzheimer's and dementia.
The Association also operates a 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900. Families can call at any time for information, local resources, crisis assistance and emotional support.
Beyond the symposium, the Association hosts the Walk to End Alzheimer's at multiple locations throughout Southeastern Pennsylvania, bringing caregivers, families and the broader community together to raise funds for research, care and support. Explore upcoming Walk to End Alzheimer’s events and registration information.
Alzheimer's cases are rising across the region, and the toll on Black communities remains high. The Black/African American Dementia Caregiver Symposium is one step toward making sure no Philadelphia caregiver has to navigate this disease alone.
The event is free, but registration is required. Reserve your spot by calling the Alzheimer's Association 24/7 Helpline at 1-800-272-3900 or registering online.
Sponsored content produced in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association.
