Brain CHEC-AC, the Brain and Cognitive Health Equity Campaign for Allegheny County, is a project aiming to tackle stigma around Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, with the goal of promoting earlier detection of these disorders in Black and Brown communities in Allegheny County.
The project is led by a research team at the University of Pittsburgh, supported by a federal research grant, in partnership with the Black Equity Coalition and the Allegheny County Health Department.
The project works to fight the stigma surrounding Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias while providing accessible cognitive evaluations. Trained interviewers gather community members’ stories about dementia to shape messages that challenge stereotypes, with BEC helping reach the places where people live, work, play, and age.
Identifying mild cognitive impairment or memory concerns early connects people to advanced clinical care and emerging therapies. Researchers are also exploring blood-based biomarker testing, a research test that could be done in community settings.
According to the Alzheimer’s Association, in its 2025 report:
Americans are living with Alzheimer’s dementia
Alzheimer’s Association, 2025people age 65 and older (11%) have Alzheimer’s dementia
From 5.1% at ages 65–74 to 33.4% at 85 and olderBlack older adults are about twice as likely as White older adults to have Alzheimer’s or other dementias
Genetic factors do not explain the differenceAmericans provide unpaid care for a family member or friend with dementia
A contribution valued at more than $413 billionGenetic factors do not explain these large differences in prevalence. Differences in life experiences, social and environmental indicators, and health conditions are increasingly believed to influence brain health as we age.
While the role of these factors is complicated and requires further study, the team at Pitt believes that stigma is one social factor that can be addressed to begin promoting better brain health in local communities.
Pitt’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center offers a no-cost outpatient memory evaluation, about four hours long, for adults noticing changes in memory or thinking, and for adults 60 and older without memory concerns. A study partner is required.
Learn more and apply
Connection is where it begins. Bring your ideas, your experience, or your support to the work.
