By Nicole Holland
HEALTH
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 was created to better understand black families’ communication on memory loss. The aim is to gather perspectives on individual and family concerns about potentially developing the disease and develop helpful resources that will encourage family discussions regarding future care planning.
This was one in a series of statewide focus groups conducted by the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Clemson University, the University of South Carolina, and the Medical Univer-
Pictured (left to right): Marsha Hampton and Jeffrey Clayton Matthews with Clemson Community Outreach; Chris Lykes, a member of the SC Alzheimer’s Disease Center Comm. Advisory Board; Dr. Angie Sardina a Clemson researcher; Jody Wells of Agape Care-Hospice; Dr. Alyssa Gamaldo, Program Director and Lena Simon the research Trial Director both of Clemson University.
sity of South Carolina. The initial focus group was conducted in Swansea in October; another one will be conducted in the Columbia area again in February or March. Sunday’s
focus group consisted of registration, lunch, presentations, evaluations, and discussion prompted by open-ended questions about family communication on memory loss,
as well as several rounds of bingo. The 3-hour session was an informative and immersive experience for those involved.
“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,” said Alzheimer’s Community Advisory Board Member Chris Lykes. “We are grateful for Pastor Jackson
and his support of the South Carolina Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center,” adds Lykes.
For more information on future focus group opportunities or to learn more about care options, please contact Lena Simon at 404-454-4779 or lgsimon@clemson.edu.