Beloit native Regina M. Prude will present “Faith, Not Fear: Seven Ways to Deal Successfully with the Challenges of Alzheimer’s Disease” at two upcoming free events in Madison and Beloit. The event will be hosted by the Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin and Helen Daniels Bader of Bader Philanthropy.
Prude is well-known throughout Wisconsin for the 37 years she served in a leadership role at Emanuel Baptist Church in Beloit, working alongside her husband, the late Dr. Floyd Prude Jr., who was senior pastor. She continues her unwavering guidance and support through her syndicated column, Everyday Joy, which appears in African-American publications across the country. Prude also has a SiriusXM radio broadcast, an hour-long talk radio show heard four times a week and is director of Special Projects and Initiatives at American Baptist College, her husband’s alma mater.
Studies show that older African Americans — for genetic, biological and socioeconomic reasons — are almost twice as likely as whites to develop Alzheimer’s disease. Many Americans dismiss the warning signs of Alzheimer’s, believing that these symptoms are a normal part of aging. This is of even greater concern for African Americans, who are two times more likely to develop late-onset Alzheimer’s disease than whites and less likely to have a diagnosis of their condition.
“We want people to talk about Alzheimer’s disease, whether they are caring for a family member or friend with the disease or are simply worried about their own memory,” said Charlie Daniel, Diversity Coordinator with Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin (ADAW). “We want people to know that it’s OK to say, ‘I need help caring for grandma’ and know that there are programs and services available. Having this conversation with Regina Prude will hopefully encourage people to start talking.”
The ADAW is a nonprofit organization that is specifically designed to provide a link to resources for people with Alzheimer’s disease or related dementias. They support individuals, families, and professionals impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias through information, education, consultation, and advocacy; and they work to promote the advancement of scientific research to better diagnose, treat and ultimately eliminate Alzheimer’s disease.
Because Alzheimer’s disease affects almost twice as many black people as white, it is often referred to as ‘the silent epidemic’ among African Americans. Black people are less likely to be diagnosed or are diagnosed during the later stages of the disease. ADAW is working to raise awareness of the issues associated with this and other types of dementia and make connections to programs and services designed to support families as they care for loved ones at all stages of the journey.
The Madison event will take place Friday, Sept. 16, 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m., at Maple Bluff Country Club, 500 Kensington Dr. The Beloit event will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2-4:30 p.m. at the Butterfly Club, 5246 E County Rd. X. A complimentary lunch will be provided at each event.
