CONTACT: Emily Kumlien
(608) 265-8199
(608) 516-9154
Madison, Wis. – Community members are invited to a free community talk and memory screening presented by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center on February 16 and 17.
The event is planned for February (African-American History Month) and named after Solomon Carter Fuller, the nation’s first African-American psychiatrist and a pioneer in Alzheimer’s disease research.
African-Americans are twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease compared to Caucasians.
The 8th annual Solomon Carter Fuller Memory Screening event starts on Friday, February 16 with a free community talk from 7:00 -8:30 p.m. at the Fountain of Life Covenant Church, 633 W. Badger Road. The education continues on Saturday, February 17 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Village on Park, 2300 S. Park Street for a free confidential memory screening and health fair. These events are free and open to the public.
“Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease but scientists have determined other modifiable factors such as economics, education, diet and heart health also contribute to risk for the disease. We don’t know precisely why African-Americans are twice as likely to develop the disease as whites, but we are studying how to lower the risk for African-Americans.” said Dr. Carey Gleason, professor of medicine (geriatrics) at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health. “This event is an opportunity to celebrate black history month, provide education and resources to the community, and promote participation in Alzheimer’s disease prevention research.”
Friday’s event will feature Dr. Cerise Elliot, a program analyst at the National Institute on Aging and an expert in health disparities research, presenting on advancing health disparities research in the African-American community. Saturday’s event also includes a caregiver workshop and a nutritional cooking demonstration featuring Chef Rod Ladson.
Members of the public can secure a memory screening appointment by calling 608-232-3400. Walk-in appointments are also available.
This event is hosted by the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin, with sponsorship from the Wisconsin Geriatric Education Center.
More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease and experts expect that number to triple by 2050.
