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Greater Cincinnati Chapter

Multicultural Outreach
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Alzheimer’s Disease and the Minority Community:
Making the Connection

Regina McDonaldRegina McDonald, MSW, LSW
Multicultural Outreach Coordinator

As the Multicultural Outreach Coordinator, one of my responsibilities is to educate and connect the African-American/Black and Hispanic/Latino families affected by Alzheimer's Disease to programs and services of the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati. 

Did you know that Age is the greatest risk factor for developing Alzheimer's Disease? There are 2.7 million African-Americans age 65 and over in this country and by the year 2050, it is projected that this number will increase to 8.6 million. The life expectancy of Hispanics will increase to age 87 by 2050, surpassing all other ethnic groups in the United States.

Did you know high blood pressure and high cholesterol occur more frequently in African-Americans?  Vascular diseases disproportionately affect African-Americans and therefore increase their rate for developing Alzheimer's Disease. Hispanics also have high rates of vascular disease, which put them at greater risk for developing Alzheimer's Disease. Due to disparities in health coverage both the African-American and Hispanic Community are less likely to receive medical services need to monitor and control vascular conditions that may lead to Alzheimer's Disease.

We can work together to bring about awareness and understanding of Alzheimer's disease not only in the African-Americans/Black and Hispanic/Latino communities but in all ethnic minority communities.

If you are interested in having a Community Education program at your church, senior center, or other organization in the Greater Cincinnati area, please contact me at 513-721-4284, ext. 102 or by email at regina.mcdonald@alz.org.

MOSAIC Advisory Council

MOSAIC Advisory Council at 2008 African American Caregiver ForumThe MOSAIC Advisory Council at the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati helps conduct outreach to raise awareness and increase understanding of Alzheimer's disease/dementia in all minority communities.

Regina McDonald and the members of MOSAIC provide culturally competent literature and community education programs at churches, senior centers, health fairs and other locations. Call 513.721.4284 for more information.

African-American Caregiver Support Group

Location:
Bethel Baptist Church
2712 Alms Place
Cincinnati, OH 45206 (Walnut Hills)

Dates:
This group meets regularly on the third Monday of each month from 1:00 – 2:30 p.m.

Contact:
Group Facilitator: Regina McDonald, MSW, LSW, 513-721-4284
Church phone for directions: 513-961-0804

African-American Family Caregiver Forum

This annual half-day education program focuses on the implications that Alzheimer’s disease has for African-American families. Topics are presented by experts in health care, a panel of family caregivers discuss their experiences and exhibitors from various community service agencies are available to answer questions. Click here for more information about the African-American Family Caregiver Forum. 

Multicultural Web Site Portals

African-American Portal

Hispanic/Latino Portal 

Other Languages

 

Click here to view a promotional spot about Alzheimer's disease and the services of the Alzheimer's Association of Greater Cincinnati.

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Various programs and services of the Alzheimer's Association are funded in part by the Ohio Department of Aging through the Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio and the Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc.  All services are provided without regard to race, age, color, religion, sex, disability, national origin, or ancestry.