Alzheimer’s Education Series
Alzheimer’s Education Series Opens Dialogue and Awareness at Our Lady of Kibeho Parish
More than 30 attendees gathered at Our Lady of Kibeho Parish for the kickoff of an Alzheimer’s education series on May 10, 2025, an initiative designed to bring vital health information to parishioners and the surrounding community. Organized by parishioner Angela Roberts and supported by the parish council, the workshop focused on understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia, with special attention given to the “10 Warning Signs of Dementia,” a topic that resonated deeply with attendees and took up the entirety of the session.
Roberts, who works in market research and brings a keen awareness of public health needs to her parish involvement, was inspired to organize the event by both professional connections and her faith. “As disciples of Christ, we have a responsibility to share that news. People should be able to look at us and know we are Christians,” she said. “A parish is the community—it is not just what’s happening in the Church. How can we share information with the community? These are ways to grow membership. People can find value in what the Church is offering.”
Roberts was first introduced to the idea through a colleague whose mother had participated in the Pointer Study on Alzheimer’s. That connection led to conversations about the importance of environmental influences on cognitive health, including resources like the MIND diet. Realizing the widespread impact of Alzheimer’s—especially among friends and long-time parishioners—Roberts brought the idea to the parish council, where it was met with strong support and enthusiasm.
The session was presented in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association, which offers free educational programs and resources. A live stream was also provided through the parish’s YouTube channel, extending the session’s reach beyond those who attended in person. The presentation also welcomed two members of the Chicago Police Department’s community policing unit, who shared helpful information about safety tools, such as wearable bracelets that connect individuals with Alzheimer’s to emergency contact services registered with the police.
Participants were given a brief three-question evaluation at the end of the session. Of the 32 attendees, 27 completed the survey, and 84% responded positively. The strong feedback underscored the hunger for this type of education and community engagement.
Several parishioners expressed a desire for future sessions on caregiving and youth mental health—particularly the effects of social media on depression. Roberts noted that the Junior Grand Lady of the Knights of Peter Claver at the parish, who also serves as the president of the junior division for the Northern States District, raised similar concerns about young people. “That’s something we’d love to address next,” Roberts added.
The next session in the series is already in the works. It will focus on empowering care partners and caregivers, continuing the parish’s commitment to being a place where faith and practical support intersect.
As Roberts puts it: “It was amazing to discover how many people I’ve known for years are affected by Alzheimer’s, whether as patients or caretakers. The passion our parish council had to bring these conversations into the light was heartwarming to see.”
Click to watch the Alzheimer's Informational Session.
