Churches raise awareness about Alzheimer's

A hundred East Tennessee churches were invited Sunday to participate in a program to share important information about Alzheimer's Disease.

Alzheimer's Awareness Sunday was meant to educate people in an environment where they feel comfortable.

Alzheimer's robs people of their memories and their dignity over time, and the black community is particularly at risk.

Officials said that's due in part to the fact that African Americans tend to be diagnosed at a later stage.

Crossroads Christian Church participated in Alzheimer's Awareness Sunday, and the pastor said aside from delivering important information, the event was also away to remind those who care for Alzheimer's patients that they're not alone.

"As caregivers they tend to operate in isolation. They think they're the only ones going through it," Rev. A.D. Baxter said. Talking about the issue at church was a chance to "let them know the church embraces them, let them know people are genuinely concerned about them, [and] let them know they're still loved and still valued."