African Methodist Episcopal Church Renews Partnership with Alzheimer’s Association to Address Alzheimer’s in Black Communities

The African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church) has renewed its partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association for another five-year term. This collaboration aims to educate and engage over 2 million U.S.-based AME members in the fight against Alzheimer’s disease. The partnership, which began in 2019, has already seen over 1,600 AME members attend dementia education programs and more than 5,000 participate in Connectional Purple Sunday events. These events provide members with information and resources related to Alzheimer’s and dementia care.

Dr. Carl V. Hill, Chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer at the Alzheimer’s Association, emphasized that diversity, equity, and inclusion are central to the organization’s mission. He noted that working with the AME Church and other groups representing underserved communities allows the Alzheimer’s Association to expand its outreach and provide more people with resources and support to address the Alzheimer’s and dementia crises.

The Alzheimer’s Association reports that older Black Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to White Americans. Additionally, Black Americans are less likely to receive a timely diagnosis, often being diagnosed later in the disease, when their medical needs are more severe.

Dr. Miriam Burnett, Medical Director of the AME Church International Health Commission, expressed the church’s desire to create forums that educate while highlighting the contributions of AME professionals trained in holistic health topics. She noted that the partnership will expand community outreach efforts, increase awareness of support services for families affected by Alzheimer’s, and promote dementia-related public policy. It will also enhance knowledge of Alzheimer’s risks and symptoms and support programming and research related to the disease.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support, and research. Its 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. The AME Church, founded in the early 19th century, is a historically Black denomination with a long tradition of community service and advocacy.

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