Alzheimer's Association - Multicultural Outreach

Multi-Lingual and Multi-Ethnic Information

Alzheimer’s disease and other disorders that cause dementia know no boundaries. Many individuals and families in ethnic and cultural minority groups are in need of solid information about Alzheimer’s disease and health resources. The North Central Texas Chapter provides a coordinator for Multicultural Outreach. Please contact Alberto Robles for more information about these special services and programs provided in our service area. We provide a monthly Spanish-language support group as well as educational opportunities such as our 2011 Hispanic Caregiver Seminar.

Use the links below to locate additional on-line resources:

The Summer 2009 newsletter highlights a very special couple who are speaking out to help others. Read their story below. Written by Felichia Fields, this story is a powerful reminder that resources and services are available to all.

Sleetie and Elvin Roberson It is estimated that there are as many as 5.3 million people currently living with Alzheimer’s disease in our country. Such a national figure seems distant to us, and it may not hit close to home. Unfortunately for many, Alzheimer’s disease does. During my time here at the Alzheimer’s Association, I have had the privilege of meeting many wonderful families, but there is one that has continued to amaze me - Elvin and Sleetie Roberson. Mr. Roberson was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease four years ago. Since then, he and his wife have taken a pro-active approach in dealing with this disease. I met the Robersons last spring at Carter Metropolitan CME Church (Christian Methodist Episcopal) in Fort Worth. I was there to give a community presentation about Alzheimer’s disease and how it affects not only the person with the disease but also the family. When it was time for questions, Mr. Roberson proudly raised his hand and announced he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Most of his fellow church members were completely surprised. It was at that point that I knew he would be a person who would speak openly about this disease.

Mr. Roberson told me the story about how one night he woke up to go to the bathroom and couldn’t remember how to get back to his bedroom. He was completely unnerved by the experience. Soon after, he decided, along with his wife, that he needed to enroll with the MedicAlert® + Safe Return Program®. Mr. Roberson stresses the importance of enrolling in MedicAlert® + Safe Return® to everyone. He always says, “You need a Plan B, because you never know when today might be the day you get lost and can’t find your way back.”

Mrs. Roberson attends a support group at St. Andrews United Methodist Church (a list of all support groups is available here). She states, “The support group has been very good for us. I look forward to it every month, and I’ve learned new techniques of dealing with different issues. For example, Elvin would forget to close the microwave door after preparing his oatmeal all the time. In the beginning, it bothered me. I would get frustrated because he’s been closing that microwave door forever and seemingly all of a sudden he leaves it open most of the time. In the support group, I gained affirmation that it is okay to get frustrated and learned to use a simple thing like putting a note on the microwave to give him a visual reminder to close the door. It was something I hadn’t thought to do.” Mr. Roberson acknowledges he was glad for that suggestion because it saves them both a headache. Additionally, the support group has helped their relationship. “While Sleetie has always been understanding, patient and caring, it helps her to have a little more patience which is a big help when loving a person with Alzheimer’s disease,” explained Mr. Roberson.

Mr. and Mrs. Roberson have been married a little over sixty years, they have four children, ten grandchildren and thirteen great-grandchildren. They proudly display these pictures in their wonderful home. As I continued looking around, I saw a picture I had taken of them displayed too. It made me proud to know that the Alzheimer’s Association work does make a difference.

Often times we find leaders in unexpected places. Mr. and Mrs. Roberson are leaders in the fight on Alzheimer’s disease. They voice how important it is to deal with Alzheimer’s disease and not run from it. Mr. Roberson is famous for saying, “Having Alzheimer’s disease is nothing to be ashamed of. There’s no need to suffer in secret. Open up about it; tell someone, so you can get the help that you need.” While there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease, there are many options available to families to help better cope with this disease. Maya Angelou said it best, “I can be changed by what happens to me, but I refuse to be reduced by it.” Don’t let Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia cause you to retreat from the world. If you are caring for someone or have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or any form of dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association is here to help. We know that this disease changes the lives of everyone affected by it, and we want to assist you and your family in the everyday challenges this disease creates.