Impact Church Hosts 3-Day Dementia Summit as 1 in 5 Older Black Americans Face Alzheimer's
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 4
Impact Church Hosts 3-Day Dementia Summit as 1 in 5 Older Black Americans Face Alzheimer's
2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 4
Summary
Hundreds gathered at Atlanta’s Impact Church in April for the Alter Dementia Summit, a three-day event aimed at educating the Black faith community about Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
The church-based effort targets barriers that often delay care: roughly 1 in 5 Black Americans 65 and older has Alzheimer’s, versus 1 in 10 white Americans, yet Black patients often take longer to get diagnosed.
Researchers and clinicians mixed science with faith-based outreach, presenting on caregiving, brain health and cognitive strategies that speakers said could fit naturally into church life, including Bible study.
The push reflects broader concerns that stigma, low awareness and distrust of the medical system—shaped by ongoing discrimination—are worsening dementia outcomes and caregiver burdens in Black communities.
Did a church summit actually increase Black participation in Alzheimer's research trials?
With new Alzheimer's blood tests, will community outreach ensure equitable access for all?
Can faith-based activities like Bible study really protect the brain from dementia?
Tackling Dementia Inequities: Insights and Actions from the Inaugural ALTER Summit in Black Faith Communities
Overview
The inaugural ALTER Dementia Summit, held at Impact Church in April 2026, brought together hundreds of attendees—mainly older Black women—to address the urgent need for dementia education in the Black faith community. The event stood out for its unique blend of faith and science, starting with a prayer and followed by practical strategies for cognitive health. By focusing on equipping the community with knowledge and support, the summit aimed to empower participants to better understand and manage dementia, highlighting the importance of culturally relevant approaches in tackling health disparities.