ABSTRACT
African-Americans face higher rates of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias than any other group. With cases of Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias expected to double by 2050 the African-American community stands to be disproportionally affected. Recognizing the need for culturally tailored programming for caregivers and those living with Alzheimer's disease and other related dementias In Our Community, Dementia Speaks was developed through a community-participatory model of engagement. While pilot results showed a non-statistically significant increase in pre/posttest knowledge a more nuanced review of the data indicates success in changing attitudes and behaviors regarding the disease among caregivers. Results provide a guide for informing future interventions and improving existing programming.
Subject(s)
Alzheimer Disease , Dementia , Patient-Centered Care , Black or African American , Caregivers , HumansABSTRACT
The Office for the Study of Aging (OSA) at the University of South Carolina was established in 1988 in conjunction with the founding of the South Carolina Alzheimer's Disease Registry. Over the last 25 years, the Office for the Study of Aging has furthered its purpose through the development of research and programs for all of South Carolina's aging population. Examples include the Placemat Strength Training Program, the Dementia Dialogues education program, and the South Carolina Vulnerable Adult Guardian ad Litem program. The work of the office is sustained through a unique government-university-community partnership that supports innovative work and provides direct lines for dissemination, translation, and implementation of programs. The office's efforts have resulted in two state laws involving aging and older adults as well as recognition through awards and publications. The Office provides a partnership model that offers a dissemination and translation pipeline for programs to be developed, piloted, revised, and enacted into policy.
