SALISBURY — Livingstone College’s Interfaith America Ambassadors partnered with the Christian Education Department of New Hope AME Zion Church to host an Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness workshop last month at Hood Theological Seminary.

Attendees were greeted with festive welcome bags to include sanitation supplies, and themed Alzheimer’s steel pin ribbons and literature. Janet Heilig of New Hope officially welcomed attendees while Dr. Da’Tarvia Parrish of Livingstone College provided an interactive breathing meditation, highlighting that more than “six million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease, a form of dementia that deprives people of their precious memories, thoughts and identity.”

Senior Livingstone student Joacquin Gonzalez offered the occasion, noting Alzheimer’s remains a leading cause of death in older adults, and African Americans and Latinos are more likely to develop dementia than any other races or ethnicities. 

Vivian Norman of New Hope introduced the workshop presenter, Alexandra H. Abbott, program manager at the Alzheimer’s Association Western Carolina Chapter. Abbott engaged audience members with informal surveys, facts, and ways to understand Alzhiemer’s and research progress in the field. 

When asked about providing care for loved ones who may experience various levels of frustration, Abbott said, “Live in their world. If someone believes they are wearing a blue shirt and a red hat, tell them they are wearing a blue shirt and a red hat.” 

To provide visual imagery Abbott said, “Imagine there is a chalkboard with all of your memories and each day someone erases a piece of the board.”  

Abbott recommended early screenings for persons who want to get tested and community support groups for individuals tending to loved ones with the disease. 

Livingstone College students Kamyle Lewis and Nia Williams led attendees in an Alzheimer’s Litany that echoed the sentiment that memories matter. 

Parrish welcomed Hood Theological Seminary President Rev. Dr. Vergel Lattimore to provide closing remarks and audience member Rev. Kay Boyd led the attendees in the Wesleyan Grace for a delectable lunch catered by Carl Brown of Chef’s Solutions. 

Rev. Thomas Grinter, pastor of New Hope said, “This program is relevant not only for our churches but for the broader community. As we strive to secure our future, we must serve and support the elderly population who have been so essential for our continued survival and collective success.” 

The Livingstone College students who were a part of the program are currently enrolled in Parrish’s religion and literature course. Students partnered with Valerie Gaither, Sarah Lightner, and Vivian Norman of New Hope AME Zion Church for planning, whereas the event was financially supported by Interfaith America, Hood Theological Seminary and John and Mary Taylor Fund.