PROGRAMS &
PROJECTS
Mentoring & Scholarship
Research shows that Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias are more prevalent in African American communities and that African Americans are twice as likely to develop these conditions as White Americans. This is not attributed to hereditary genetics. Instead, this increased risk is attributed to the disproportionate number of African Americans who suffer from underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure and diabetes. These conditions are often linked to an increased risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias. Furthermore, there is evidence that misdiagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease are more common amongst older African Americans despite the increased risk and prevalence of this disease in African American communities.
“Recognizing this, CAN Dream Foundation has created a program to increase the awareness of Alzheimer’s disease for students. CAN Dream Foundation educates students about the areas of the brain that affected by Alzheimer’s as well as (1) how to recognize the signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, (2) ways to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, and (3) how the disease affects society as a whole.
CAN Dream Foundation is pleased to offer the CAN Dream Foundation Alzheimer’s Awareness Scholarship in an effort to encourage minority high school students to express their thoughts about the effects of Alzheimer’s disease and engage the younger generation in this cause.”
MERIT
The Medical Education Resources Initiative for Teens (MERIT) aims to eliminate health care disparities by transforming under‐represented high school students into health care leaders. To that end, MERIT creates a holistic support system to change the trajectory of our scholars’ lives. CAN Dream Foundation provides Alzheimer’s Awareness sessions along with professional development guidance to equip these students with the knowledge and skills necessary to successfully complete their summer internships and encourage them to pursue a focus in medicine that can directly benefit those with Alzheimer’s disease.
Please download and complete the application form if you are interested in our scholarship program. Please email your completed application to contactus@candream.org for submission.
Service Learning Activity
CAN Dream Foundation offers opportunities for students to complete service learning requirements by providing education and advocacy about Alzheimer’s disease.
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Students will learn about Alzheimer’s disease and the health disparity among minorities
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Students will become aware of the systemic issue associated with the effects of Alzheimer’s on society
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Students work to create and administer communication plans of Alzheimer’s educational materials to be shared with CAN Dream Foundation supporters, members of the community, and other students and teachers at their schools
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Students are tasked with writing letters to legislators about the need for increased funds to support Alzheimer’s research and caregivers thus engaging students in high quality service learning that assists in developing and sharpening reading and writing skills
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Students will spend time reflecting on the burden of Alzheimer’s on society and how they can help make a difference in their community
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Students will participate in existing CAN Dream Foundation activities and board meetings to help develop their understanding of community partnerships
MACAB
The Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) recognizes the need to maintain an effective and mutually satisfying partnership with the community it serves. To that end, a Memory and Aging Community Advisory Board (MACAB) has been formed. It is comprised of local community leaders with an interest in dementia, including representatives of the minority community (i.e., pastoral leaders, heads of community organizations, health officials from state/city/county departments, political leaders, representatives of the Alzheimer’s Association, and families of patients who have been affected by Alzheimer’s Disease).
CAN Dream Foundation is a member of the community board and strives to educate, recruit, and communicate about research and revise research procedures with community goals and needs in mind.
