AlzInColor

09/08/2026

💜 "I wish I knew more about how to communicate with someone who has dementia." — Jade Morris

Growing up, Jade Morris watched her grandparents care for her great-grandfather as he lived with dementia. As a young family member, she wanted to help—but often wished she better understood how to communicate with him and support his journey.

Today, Jade reflects on how her family's experience has inspired a new generation to prioritize brain health, stay engaged through lifelong learning, and seek medical care early when memory or thinking changes arise.

Her story reminds us that brain health conversations should include every generation. When young people understand dementia, they are better prepared to support loved ones and build healthier futures for themselves.

🎥 Watch Jade's inspiring AlzInColor conversation about youth caregiving, brain health, and the power of family. https://youtu.be/56hwyQwSe8U

🔗 For brain health resources, educational tools, and more inspiring stories—or to share your own—visit: https://www.alzincolor.com/

09/04/2026

💜 "You're kind of thrust into caregiving. It's not something that you plan for." — Kafi Parker

For many families, caregiving begins in an instant—a diagnosis, a fall, or a sudden change that turns life upside down.

As Community Outreach Specialist for The Binti Circle, Kafi Parker supports Black daughter caregivers who are learning to navigate a new reality, often without knowing where to turn. She shares why building a support system, asking questions, and connecting with trusted healthcare providers and community resources can make a meaningful difference.

Kafi also reflects on her own experience recognizing changes in her mother's memory and wishing she had known more about the specialists and resources available. Today, that experience fuels her commitment to reducing stigma, encouraging earlier conversations, and helping caregivers feel seen, supported, and empowered.

🎥 Watch Kafi's AlzInColor conversation to hear her advice for caregivers and why no one should have to navigate dementia alone. https://youtu.be/kdBddmvvHxM

🔗 For brain health resources, educational tools, and more inspiring stories—or to share your own—visit: https://www.alzincolor.com/

09/03/2026

💜 Caregiving can change your life, but you don’t have to lose yourself along the way.

In our recent AlzInColor webinar, “Caregiving with Purpose, Hope, and Humor,” Janay “J Smiles” Smith, comedian, caregiver, patient advocate, and founder of Parenting UP! shared an honest and uplifting look at her caregiving journey and what she has learned about adapting, caring for herself, and finding purpose and joy along the way.

Three key takeaways from the conversation:

💜 Embrace Your New Normal
Janay encouraged caregivers to stop waiting for life to return to what it was and instead “start creating your own intentional version of the new normal.” As caregiving changes, give yourself time and permission to adjust and build a life that works for you now.

🤲🏽 Caring for Yourself Is Part of Caregiving
Caregiving can take a toll on your physical and emotional well-being. Janay emphasized the importance of seeking support, building a care team, and creating space to simply be yourself—and sometimes, “just be her daughter.”

😊 Make Space for Purpose and Joy
Comedy became what Janay called “an amazing outlet at a time where I needed healthy outlets.” Her experience reminds caregivers to make room for hobbies, passions, and moments of joy that help them stay connected to themselves.

Caregiving may change the life you imagined, but Janay reminded us that there can still be space for connection, purpose, laughter, and new memories along the way.

Thank you, Janay, for joining us and helping us “Raise the Volume” on brain health and caregiving through your honesty, humor, and lived experience.

▶️ Watch the webinar recording: https://youtu.be/BCF0G5uNisI

💜 Visit Parenting UP! for caregiver support, blogs, and podcast videos: https://www.parentingup.com/

🔗 Learn more and access brain health and caregiving resources at www.AlzInColor.com.

08/27/2026

What an incredible day of connection and conversation at the 2026 Black Health Matters Harlem Health Summit & Expo! 💜🧠

It was an honor for Kathryn Boxill, Co-Founder of AlzInColor, to attend and exhibit alongside community members committed to better health and well-being.

From morning to afternoon, our AlzInColor table stayed busy with conversations about brain health, Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving, and the experiences that shape how we care for ourselves and our loved ones.

What stayed with us most was the vulnerability and openness of those who shared their stories.

Throughout the day, a few messages came through loud and clear:

💜 Early detection matters. If you or someone you love notices changes in memory or thinking, start the conversation with a healthcare provider.

💜 Caregivers need care, too. Seeking education, resources, and support and making time for their own health is an important part of the caregiving journey.

💜 Brain health is part of overall health. The choices we make today can help support our brain health throughout our lives.

We hope everyone we met left feeling a little more informed, encouraged, and empowered to take action for themselves and their families.

Thank you to Roslyn Y. Daniels, Dedra Tate, Jeanine Tate, and the entire Black Health Matters team for creating a free and accessible space where the community and over 1,500 attendees could connect with health information, screenings, experts, and resources.

And a special thank you to Dereine Coleman for bringing your energy and enthusiasm to the AlzInColor table! 💜

🔗 Learn more about Black Health Matters: https://blackhealthmatters.com/

🔗 Learn more and explore brain health resources and community stories at AlzInColor.com

08/26/2026

💜 “This is the longest marathon you never trained for.” – Janay "J Smiles" Smith

When Janay became a caregiver for her mother living with Alzheimer’s disease, everything changed, including how she viewed her own brain health and well-being.

In our recent conversation at the ALTER Dementia Summit, Janay shares the emotional realities of caregiving, the warning signs her family didn’t recognize, and why caring for yourself is just as important as caring for someone you love.

As a comedian, patient advocate, founder of Parenting UP, and AlzInColor Community Advisory Board member, Janay brings humor, honesty, and hope to a journey so many families understand.

🎥 Watch Janay’s story:
https://youtu.be/mT0sZlZFw5Q

Then continue the conversation with us LIVE! 💜

Join Janay and AlzInColor for “Caregiving with Purpose, Hope, and Humor” as we explore practical caregiving strategies, resilience, self-care, finding your own purpose, and how humor can help along the journey.

🗓️ Thursday, August 27
⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM ET
👉🏽 Register: https://bit.ly/AlzInColorWebinar08272026

Know a caregiver who could use support, practical resources, and maybe a few well-deserved laughs? Tag them or share this post.

08/25/2026

⏳ Caregivers, this conversation is for you.

Join AlzInColor and featured speaker 🎙️ Janay JSmiles Smith of Parenting UP:

"Caregiving with Purpose, Hope, and Humor"

Discover practical caregiving strategies, hear an inspiring personal story, and learn how purpose, advocacy, and even laughter can help you care for yourself while caring for someone you love.

🗓️ Thursday, August 27, 2026
⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM EDT

👉🏽 Register today and share with a caregiver, friend, or family member:
https://bit.ly/AlzInColorWebinar08272026

Because caregivers are deserving of support, purpose, hope, and a reason to smile. Let's continue to "Raise the Volume" together.

08/24/2026

💜 "To be healthy, it's not just about our individual choices." — Mayra Sainz, PhD

Brain health isn't something we achieve alone.

Dr. Mayra Sainz reminds us that improving brain health requires support at every level—from our families and friends to our faith communities, healthcare systems, and the policies that shape access to care and resources.

For Latino communities and beyond, creating healthier futures means working together, holding one another accountable, and building environments where people have the support they need to thrive.

🎥 Watch Dr. Sainz’s full conversation to learn why improving brain health is a shared responsibility and how collaboration can help strengthen our communities. https://youtu.be/ptC-SojD4Q8

🔗 For brain health resources, educational tools, and more inspiring stories—or to share your own—visit: https://www.alzincolor.com/

08/20/2026

💜 Caregivers spend so much time caring for others, but who's caring for them?

Join AlzInColor for:
"Caregiving with Purpose, Hope, and Humor"

During this webinar, you'll:

💡 DISCOVER practical strategies for navigating the caregiving journey
🌱 LEARN how purpose, advocacy, and hope can build resilience
❤️ PRIORITIZE your own well-being while caring for others
🤝 GAIN encouragement, resources, and community

Featuring Janay "J Smiles" Smith, whose personal caregiving journey reminds us that even during life's hardest moments, hope, purpose, and laughter can still be found.

🗓️ Thursday, August 27, 2026
⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM EDT

👉🏽 Join the conversation and register today:
https://bit.ly/AlzInColorWebinar08272026

Tag a caregiver who could use a little encouragement—and maybe a good laugh.

08/18/2026

The future of Alzheimer's care depends on the decisions we make today.

As Chair of the National Alzheimer's Project Act (NAPA) Advisory Council and Secretary of the Florida Department of Elder Affairs, Michelle Branham joined fellow council members in developing recommendations to help shape the next chapter of Alzheimer's policy in the United States.

Featured in Solving Alzheimer's, Charting a Course to Improve Care Across America outlines an actionable roadmap for HHS, CMS, the FDA, and Congress to strengthen Alzheimer's prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, care, and support.

At AlzInColor, we're committed to advancing equitable policies that improve brain health and Alzheimer's outcomes for Black and Latino communities. Efforts like these help move us closer to a future where everyone has access to timely diagnosis, quality care, and the resources they need.

Thank you Secretary Branham for your leadership and dedication.

📖 Read the full article: https://solvingalzheimers.substack.com/p/charting-a-course-to-improve-care-across-america

As Florida's Secretary of Elder Affairs and Chair of the Federal Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s, I helped finalize the new recommendations for our national strategy — now the hard work begins.

08/14/2026

💜 Caregiving can change your life, but it can also reveal strength you never knew you had.

We're two weeks away from:
"Caregiving with Purpose, Hope, and Humor"

Join AlzInColor for an uplifting conversation featuring:

🎙️ Janay "J Smiles" Smith
Caregiver • Patient Advocate • Comedian
Founder, Parenting UP!
AlzInColor Community Advisory Board Member

After the sudden loss of her father and her mother's Alzheimer's diagnosis, Janay became her mother's full-time caregiver. Through comedy, she found healing, purpose, and a powerful voice for caregivers everywhere.

During this session, Janay will share practical caregiving tips, personal experiences, and how advocacy, purpose, and humor have helped her navigate the caregiving journey.

🗓️ Thursday, August 27, 2026
⏰ 7:00–8:00 PM EDT

👉🏽 Save your spot and invite caregivers, family, and friends:
https://bit.ly/AlzInColorWebinar08272026

Let's continue to "Raise the Volume" for caregivers and families affected by Alzheimer's disease.