African American Alzheimer's and Wellness Association

The 2019 Isabelle Ridgway Annual Alzheimer's Walk is directly benefiting the continued support for individuals suffering from Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers through the African American Alzheimer's & Wellness Association. 

About Isabelle Ridgway

Ms. Ridgway began her work caring for the elderly in Columbus in 1912, at a time when there were few charities to support the needs of African American elderly. She was compassionate and conscientious in finding resources and accommodations for the elderly, often through her church where she was known as Mother Ridgway. With the help of her friend, Dollie Whittaker, Ms. Ridgway founded the Old Folks Home of Franklin County, where she quietly brought comfort, stability, safety, and a sense of belonging to elderly, impoverished African Americans. "Ms. Ridgway brought insight and the boldness of a true pioneer to her work. She believed in a world where we treat the aging as our elders. She taught us that dignity is ageless.” — PATRICIA MULLINS, FOUNDING BOARD MEMBER OF THE NEW ISABELLE RIDGWAY FOUNDATION, FORMER PRESIDENT AND CEO OF THE ISABELLE RIDGWAY CARE CENTER


 Since 2005, the African American Alzheimer's & Wellness Association, born out of a great need to support those that are at the greatest risk for developing Alzheimer's and other dementia's, has serviced Columbus and the surrounding areas.  We have a board of directors that have over 50 years of knowledge and experience in this specialized area of caring for those in need.  While we service all families, regardless of race, statistics show that the African American is at the greatest risk for developing this disease due to hypertension and diabetes being so prevalent in our community.  Both of these diseases increase the risk for Alzheimer's!  

Alzheimer's disease is a brain complication that is not a normal aging process, it destroys memory and independence and also robs families of a normal relationship with their loved one.  The African American Alzheimer's & Wellness Association realizes the challenges that face approximately five million Americans older than 65 and a half million Americans younger than age 65 that have some form of dementia.  We are here to help!  

We provide many services from information and educational materials, memory screening for early detection and our specialized Kustaafu Arts Program.  Research has confirmed that those with dementia can find ways to express themselves and "The Arts" is one form of their expression.  We also provide Wellness Workshops to Church Congregations and Corporate Employee Meetings!