AME Church targets Alzheimer’s disease
The African Methodist Episcopal Church has announced a three-year partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, aiming to educate the denomination’s 2 million members about the disease.
Historically, black Americans have been under-included in research studies related to Alzheimer’s. New research suggests they may have an increased risk of Alzheimer’s and other cognitive impairments when compared to non-Hispanic whites. According to the AME, black Americans are also less likely to get a correct diagnosis, which results in “in less time for treatment and planning.”
For Bishop Harry L. Seawright, chair of the AME’s Commission on Health, the mission is personal. His mother died from Alzheimer’s and his sister has dementia.
