Dementia in the Black Community video series
Learn about the impacts of dementia this Black History Month
Dementia in the Black Community
February is Black History Month
Each February, Black History Month honours the experiences, achievements and contributions of Black communities in Canada, while deepening our collective understanding of their history and impact on Canadian society.
When it comes to dementia, research has found evidence that strongly suggests Black populations in Canada experience the disease at higher rates when compared to other populations, while at the same time experiencing gaps in culturally responsive care and adequate supports (Landmark Study, Vol. 2, 2024).
We know that dementia can have a very different impact on individuals and families depending on their life experiences, culture, beliefs and the oppressions they’ve faced in society. Gaining a better understanding of these unique experiences can help us improve the kinds of support and care available in our health systems and communities.
The Dementia in the Black Community video series is a resource for health care providers, care partners, people living with dementia and anyone interested in understanding the unique experiences of the Black community with dementia.
Community is one of the things that dementia gives you. It gives you a sense of, we’re all in this together. And it’s really personified when combined with the richness of Blackness that this group just excudes.
Granville Johnson, BCWG member, lives with vascular dementia
Watch their stories
The videos were created in collaboration with people living with dementia, care partners and health care providers. Click the videos below to start watching, or visit our YouTube channel to view our Dementia in the Black Community video playlist.
Dementia in the Black Community: the Black Community Working Group
The Alzheimer Society of Canada’s National Dementia Guidelines Black Community Working Group shares their personal and professional experiences with dementia, offering key messages on how best to support people living with dementia and their care partners.
Granville Johnson’s story
Granville, a person living with vascular dementia and author of Backstory The Many Lives of Granville Johnson, shares his experience of living with dementia and discusses the stigma surrounding it. He encourages people to get diagnosed, be hopeful and build a community of support.
Agnes Chinelo’s professional story
Dr. Agnes Chinelo, known for her web series Talk with Dr. Agnes, shares her experience as a physician supporting people living with dementia. This video also includes important considerations for health care providers working with ethno-racialized communities.
Agnes Chinelo’s personal story
Dr. Agnes Chinelo, known for her web series Talk with Dr. Agnes, discusses her personal experience caring for her father, who lived with dementia. She talks about care partner guilt and stigma, sharing a specific emotional experience with her father.
Angeleta Cox’s story
Angeleta shares her story as a care partner to her mother, who lives with dementia. She describes the changes her mother has experienced and discusses common challenges and frustrations many care partners face.
Jennifer Oteng’s story
Jennifer, a geriatric nurse in Ontario’s health-care system, discusses her experiences and highlights areas for improvement within the system.
Valene Campbell’s story
Valene, author of The Amazing Zoe book series, talks about supporting her mother’s increasing needs while also caring for her daughter as a sandwich-generation care partner.
Tashani Parker’s story
Tashani, a social worker, shares important considerations for supporting and interacting with people from ethno-racialized backgrounds, specifically within the Black community.
