Dear Friends,

Early in my nursing career, I came to realize that I did not fully understand what dementia was. As I worked in various health care and community settings, there were professionals and community members who were also unaware of how this condition disproportionately impacted the Black community. Once learning that there were numerous Black families affected by dementia who were without guidance and direction, I decided to make it my mission to spread dementia awareness and create supportive communities to serve these families.

Together with sponsors and partners, we will launch a first-of-its-kind event, the inaugural ALTER Dementia Summit: The Role of the Black Church. The summit will equip faith communities throughout the United States with practical tools and resources needed to support their members living with dementia and their caregivers. You are invited to join us at the summit to witness the result of 10 years of working in the community and creating a faith network committed to developing dementia-friendly congregations.

The ALTER Dementia Summit will feature more than 12 educational topics on spiritual connectedness, brain health awareness, research, community resources, how-to workshops for caregivers and faith leaders, and much more. This summit will be crucial to moving the needle on improving health outcomes, increasing equitable access to resources and supportive services, and eradicating dementia- related disparities in the Black community. I am excited that we will also have a Research and Expo Hall that will offer perspectives on the latest research and new ideas, products, and trends in supporting those living with dementia and care partners/family caregivers who support them at home, in the community, and places of worship in which they belong.

Thanks in advance for your support and for making plans to join us!

Yours Truly,

Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN
Founder, Alter
Professor | Karen & Ronald Herrmann Endowed Chair for Caregiving
UT Health San Antonio School of Nursing