TOWSON — The Alzheimer’s Association’s Greater Maryland and National Capital chapters will host a statewide virtual conversation on “Why is Dementia So Prevalent in Maryland, Especially in the African American Community?” on Thursday, June 13, at 7 p.m.
Moderated by former Prince George’s County Executive Rushern L. Baker, public health experts include Carl V. Hill, Ph.D., MPH, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for the Alzheimer’s Association, and Lauren J. Parker, Ph.D., MPH, Associate Scientist, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.
“Using a virtual platform extends outreach to remote communities where accessing information can be a challenge, says Marlyn Massey, diversity and inclusion program manager. “To stem the current trajectory for developing dementia, we are committed to informing people on how to safeguard their brain health.”
Discussion topics include:
• How racism and systemic inequities are drivers of health disparities that contribute to the high prevalence of dementia.
• Tips on how to chart your brain health and what to do to reduce risk of cognitive decline.
• The importance of early detection of dementia and how an early diagnosis can lead to better treatment outcomes with time to plan for the future.
• How to locate local community resources that provide quality care and support for those living with dementia and for their care partners.
To register for a Zoom link, visit the Alzheimer’s Association’s webpage or contact Renee Johnson at rajohnson@alz.org.
The threat of dementia prevalence in the U.S. and in Maryland
• Alzheimer’s disease is a growing public health crisis in the Untied States. According to the Alzheimer’s Association 2024 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures report, nearly 7 million Americans age 65 and older are living with the disease, with a projected increase to 13 million by 2050.
• According to a Rush Medical College study released at the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), Maryland’s 12.9 percent dementia prevalence ratio for residents age 65-plus ranks the state as the nation’s highest.
• Maryland’s three highest dementia prevalence regions for residents age 65 and older are Baltimore City- 16.6 percent, Prince George’s County- 16.1 percent, and Baltimore County-13.1 percent.
