A loved one’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis brings life-altering challenges not only for the individual but for the entire family. In this heartfelt episode of The Public Health Joy Podcast, we are joined by Dr. Herb Caldwell, who opens up about the deeply personal journey that led him to create the Mama Joe Project, a groundbreaking initiative named after his late mother, who inspired his mission to support families facing Alzheimer's and dementia.
The Mama Joe Project is a community-centered initiative focused on raising awareness and reducing health disparities. With over two decades in higher education and community engagement, Dr. Caldwell is uniquely positioned to address the critical need for accessible resources in Black communities, where Alzheimer’s affects women over 60 at disproportionately high rates.
He shares the importance of vulnerability in caregiving, the personal and systemic challenges that so many families face, and practical strategies to support your loved ones with dignity and care. Tune in to discover caregiving insights, actionable resources, and a powerful story of resilience that calls upon all of us to support one another in the face of life-altering diagnoses!
Key Points From This Episode:
An introduction to Dr. Herb Caldwell and the Mama Joe Project. [04:45]
Key risk factors for Alzheimer’s: age, racial background, and gender. [06:50]
Background on Dr. Caldwell's mother, the inspiration for the Mama Joe Project. [08:38]
The importance of vulnerability and personal stories to support community health. [12:07]
Insight into the realities of being a caregiver and why healthy outlets are crucial. [14:04]
Community engagement and the value of the Mama Joe Project documentary film. [17:38]
FUBU and the need to raise awareness of Alzheimer’s in Black communities. [22:27]
The importance of early detection, especially if you’re a high-risk candidate. [28:31]
What Dr. Caldwell has learned about himself through the Mama Joe Project. [32:59]
The joy of knowing that his mother’s legacy will continue to help others. [35:33]
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