Debra Tann, Ed. D. Untangles The Race of Dementia: Care, Cure, and Disparity

About Debra Tann, Ed. D.  As a young child, Debra Tann encountered what she later learned to be dementia in her beloved great grandmother. At the time, the condition was known as “senility.” This encounter had a significant impact on her young heart and mind. Many years later, after a 14-year career as a professor in Political Science, and another 14 years operating an independent Christian school, she has taken her professional skillset and transitioned her platform to that of dementia education. She is a certified Dementia Educator, certified Dementia Friends Champion, and a certified Virtual Dementia Tour facilitator. And she’s now the CEO of Reminiscent, an organization offering Alzheimer’s and dementia education in her community. She is also the author of The Race of Dementia, part memoir, part guide to assist caregivers on the dementia journey with humor, insight, and practical advice. This book explores the racial disparities in dementia care as well as the race to find a cure. Debra advocates on behalf of dementia from a three-pronged position: ·     Locally, she is CEO at Reminiscent, in her hometown, Valdosta, Georgia; ·     At the state level she is active with GARD (Georgia Alzheimer’s & Related Dementias); and ·     Nationally, she advocates for AIM (Alzheimer’s Impact Movement). She is appointed to Senator Jon Ossoff. Originally from Sacramento, Debra is married to a retired United States Naval service member. Together they have three young adult sons, three daughters-in-law, one granddaughter, and two grand dogs. She loves traveling, reading, Bible study, strolling the shoreline, theatrical plays, and stand-up comedy. In this episode, we discuss how to help children understand a dementia encounter, how confusion begets confusion, how dementia adversely affects people of color, and how caregivers can empower themselves. We are joined by my friend and AlzAuthors co-founder Jean Lee, author of Alzheimer’s Daughter, who is the acquisitions editor that introduced Debra to our organization. * * * Read Debra’s AlzAuthors Post: https://alzauthors.com/2021/07/20/debra-tann-race-of-dementia/ Start reading The Race of Dementia now! https://amzn.to/2Nd78f3 Note: We are an Amazon Associate and may receive a small commission from book sales. Connect with Debra Twitter Facebook   Linkedin.com  Website and Podcast Library   * * * About the Podcast AlzAuthors is the global community of authors writing about Alzheimer’s and dementia from personal experience to light the way for others. Our podcast introduces you to our authors who share their stories and insights to provide knowledge, comfort, and support. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a word. If our authors’ stories move you, please leave a review. And don’t forget to share our podcast with family and friends on their own dementia journeys. We are a 501(c)(3) charitable organization totally reliant on donations to do what we do. Your generosity will help cover our many operating costs, which include website hosting and maintenance fees, service charges to keep things running smoothly, and marketing expenses to promote our authors, expand our content, improve our reach, and more. Our ongoing work supports our mission to lift the silence and stigma of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. To sustain our efforts please donate here. Ideas and opinions expressed in this podcast belong to the speakers and not AlzAuthors. Always consult your healthcare provider and legal and financial consultants for advice on any of the topics covered here. Thanks for listening. We are a Whole Care Network Featured Podcast. Proud to be on The Health Podcast Network. Want to be on the podcast? Here’s what you need to know. Shop our Store Join our book club