(Columbia, SC) — On Sunday, January 12, 2025, community members representing 20 African American families participated in an Alzheimer’s Research focus group at the Midlands Community Development Corporation’s (MCDC) C.R. Neal Dream Center on the campus of Bible Way Church of Atlas Road. The focus group aimed to better understand how Black families communicate about memory loss, gather perspectives on concerns related to developing Alzheimer’s, and create helpful resources to encourage discussions on future care planning.
This event was part of a statewide series of focus groups led by the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, and the Medical University of South Carolina. The initial focus group took place in Swansea in October, with another planned for the Columbia area in February or March.
The January 12th session included registration, lunch, presentations, evaluations, and open-ended discussions about family communication on memory loss, along with several rounds of bingo. The 3-hour session provided an informative and immersive experience for all participants.
Chris Lykes, an Alzheimer’s Community Advisory Board Member, stated:
Diversifying participant groups to help our community and to help community members learn more about resources and care options for those with dementia and Alzheimer’s is a must if we are to develop better treatment and find a cure.
Chris Lykes
Lykes also expressed gratitude for Pastor Jackson’s support of the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
For more information on future focus group opportunities or to learn more about care options, please contact:
