This past June, the Jetsetters, a 50+ club, hosted its seventh annual community awareness program on dementia and Alzheimer’s at the Berea church in Dorchester, Massachusetts. This event, known as “Memory Sunday,” has been a significant educational collaboration involving Balm in Gilead (Richmond, Virgina), the City of Boston, the Alzheimer’s Association, Boston University, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, and other faith-based organizations in Massachusetts.
Since 2018, the coalition has been addressing the prevalence of Alzheimer’s in black and brown communities, which are disproportionately impacted by the disease, providing essential information and support to patients and caregivers. Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the seminars continued virtually, ensuring uninterrupted access to vital resources. Since 2023, the program has offered in-person and virtual attendance, broadening its reach.
Each year, Memory Sunday explores different themes. This year’s theme, “Sounds and Sustenance for the Brain,” highlighted the impact of nutrition and plant-based diets on brain health and the therapeutic benefits of sound in easing anxiety and trauma in dementia patients.
Emily Shea, Age Strong commissioner, served as the mistress of ceremonies for the seventh consecutive year. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu (via video) and Edsel Cadet, Berea church pastor, offered greetings. Various speakers from Berea church and partner organizations discussed their roles in supporting families, caregivers, and individuals living with Alzheimer’s.
Corinne White, the City of Boston’s Dementia Friendly coordinator, shared details about programs for seniors and Memory Cafes, which support caregivers and dementia patients. Nancy Coppelman from Brigham and Women’s Hospital (BWH) recounted the history of “Memory Sunday” and how the program adapted during the pandemic to continue serving the community.
Michael Kincade of the Massachusetts Alzheimer’s and Research Center and Ana-Maria Vranceanu from Massachusetts General Hospital discussed the importance of caregiver support, research participation, and forming collaborative relationships. Kincade emphasized the need for early testing due to the varying symptoms of different types of dementia.
Sidney Davis, a Berea church member, explained the benefits of a plant-based diet and the role of nitric oxide found in leafy greens. Norma Milligan from the Alzheimer’s Association highlighted lesser-known resources, including the 24/7 Helpline (1-800-272-3900), available nationwide.
Tia Hall, BWH clinical research and project manager, discussed various research studies and how to access safe and flexible participation information. Dean Sheppard of Boston University shared his personal experiences with Alzheimer’s and promoted free memory screenings.
Moira Lo Bianco from Berklee College of Music discussed the cognitive benefits of sound and led the audience in a participatory breathing technique using percussion instruments.
The program concluded with a Q&A session led by Michael Kincade, allowing the audience to engage directly with the panelists. The event ended with a performance by the Berea Sanctuary Choir and a closing prayer by Brian Hall, the first elder of Berea church. Afterward, people enjoyed refreshments and received additional resources and gifts.
Editor’s note: For more information about support, care, and resources, visit www.alzheimers.gov. To watch the Memory Sunday program, visit the Berea Boston Seventh-day Adventist Church’s YouTube channel.
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Barbara J. Defoe, member, Jetsetters Club and Berea church
Pictured from left (back row): Andrea Burns, Ana-Maria Vranceanu, Sidney Davis, Dean Sheppard, Corinne White, Norma Milligan, and Emily Shea; (front row) Michael Kincade, Moira Lo Bianco, Nancy Coppelman, Barbara Defoe, and Tia Hall. [Photo provided by Barbara Defoe]
