To promote brain health and increase awareness of the resources available to Black Americans with Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, the Alzheimer’s Association has partnered with 100 Black Men of America Inc.

As one of the nation’s top African American–led mentoring organizations, The 100 has welcomed over 10,000 members since its inception in 1963 in New York City and has helped improve the lives of over 125,000 minority youth annually. The group’s Four for the Future initiative supports Black Americans via mentorship, education, economic empowerment and health and wellness efforts.

Alzheimer’s and other dementias impact Black Americans at higher rates than other groups. In fact, older Black Americans are not only twice as likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than older white Americans, but they are often diagnosed at later stages, when cognitive function has already been impaired, thus diminishing quality of life.

“The Alzheimer’s Association is excited to be working with 100 Black Men of America,” said Carl V. Hill, PhD, the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, in a news release. “This distinguished group of leaders in Black communities gives us a respected voice to expand our reach, connecting families affected by Alzheimer’s and other dementias to disease information, education programs and access to care and support services.”

The 100 and the Alzheimer’s Association aims to increase awareness of Alzheimer’s and other dementias through local community activism, provide care and support through programs offered by the Alzheimer’s Association and boost community involvement to increase representation of Black Americans in disease research and clinical trials.

“This partnership provides a unique opportunity to address health disparities and health inequities that have persisted in our Black communities for far too long, particularly as [they] relate to Alzheimer’s and other dementia,” Hill said. “We are hopeful that our partnership will help families affected by this devastating disease.”