Shows
Black Scholars Speak"It's All Good, We're Learning": Navigating Your Academic Journey W/ Dr. Fayron EppsIn this heartfelt, energetic, passionate, and wisdom-filled episode, Dr. Fayron Epps gets real about the ups and downs of her academic journey—from the hurdles she faced in school to the life challenges that followed. Whether you're just starting out or deep in your academic grind, this episode will have you laughing and inspired to keep going—because through it all, "it’s all good—we’re learning."Connect with Dr. Fayron Epps:X: @QOL4olderadults)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fayron-epps-phd-rn-fgsa-faan-8164a07a/Email: eppsf@uthscsa.edu...
2025-06-101h 03
Black Scholars SpeakThe Breakdown: Dementia & Caregiving Resources for the Black CommunityDid you know it is projected that by 2030, 40% of those with a dementia diagnosis will be Black or Latino? Remember, this is just a STATISTIC, so WE have the POWER not to make this a reality! Dr. Fayron Epp's episode of The Breakdown highlights the importance of uplifting our Black faith communities so they can better support and educate congregants concerning this disease. She developed a program called Alter Dementia that does just this by helping them- create dementia-friendly communities. She also talks about an 8-week education study (yes, you can participate in education, and it still...
2025-06-1008 min
Parenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J SmilesWhat Caregivers Want Doctors To KnowThe void between medical expertise and lived caregiving experience takes center stage in this powerful season finale. Join us as we recap the Alter Dementia Summit 2025!This episode captures the vibrant energy of a gathering that feels simultaneously like a homecoming, family reunion, and professional conference. At its heart is a critical message from caregivers to the medical community: slow down and recognize us as the experts we've become. Through moving testimonials, attendees express what they wish doctors understood – the need for comprehensive resources, guidance on medication management, and most importantly, to be treated as val...
2025-05-2726 minParenting UP! Caregiving adventures with comedian J SmilesAltering the Perception of Caregivers and Dementia with Dr. Fayron EppsWhen Dr. Fayron Epps launched the Altar program, she was told repeatedly that no one would fund research connecting faith and dementia care in the Black community. Fast forward to today, and her groundbreaking initiative has expanded to 23 states, 112 faith communities, and 14 Christian denominations—with millions in funding from government agencies, corporate sponsors, and foundations.What makes this program revolutionary is its dual approach: utilizing the "altar" of the church while "altering" perceptions about dementia in Black communities. By training faith leaders to support caregivers over a committed two-year partnership, Alter creates sustainable support systems where judgment is...
2025-05-1245 min
Caregiver SOS On AirBuilding Up Capacity Within Black Churches to Address Dementia-Related Disparities Dr. Fayron EppsDr. Fayron Epps joins hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial to talk about building up capacity within black churches to address dementia-related disparities on this edition of Caregiver SOS.
2024-04-1727 min
The GERO-Juice: Hot Spot for Aging NewsGERO-Juice 4-11-24 Alter Dementia Summit w/ Dr. Fayron Epps; Who is Vulnerable to Food InsecurityDr. Fayron, founder of Alter, returns to the GERO-Juice to remind listeners of the need for dementia education and resources in communities of color and the inaugural Alter Dementia Summit. April is Senior Hunger Awareness month and while there are many home and community based programs in several states that are equipped to address senior hunger, there are still millions of seniors who are food insecure. How can you help? One Austrailian palliative care unit is putting a big smile on the faces of patients with Happy Hour!
2024-04-121h 00
GSA Momentum DiscussionsAlter - Empowering African American Churches to Support Members with Dementia and Their FamiliesThe Alter program is a nurse-led, dementia-friendly congregation program aimed at empowering African American churches to serve all members, including those living with dementia and their families. Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, FGSA, FAAN, developed the Alter program to increase dementia awareness; develop a supportive, faith-based dementia-friendly infrastructure; and create a community supporting the well-being of African Americans living with dementia and their families. In this Momentum Discussion Podcast episode, Dr. Epps shares insights into the Alter program and what inspired her to found the program. She also describes key components of the program and discusses the result of 10 years...
2024-04-0617 min
Caregiver SOSBuilding Up Capacity Within Black Churches to Address Dementia-Related Disparities with Dr. Fayron EppsDr. Fayron Epps joins hosts Ron Aaron and Carol Zernial to talk about building up capacity within black churches to address dementia-related disparities on this edition of Caregiver SOS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
2024-03-0226 min
X1 Media - Community Comes FirstOn The Go with A.C.: Conversation with Dr. Epps, discussing Alzheimer's/Dementia, misconceptionsOn this episode of On The Go with A.C., Anthony speaks with Dr. Fayron Epps. She discussed her organization's mission, the difference between Alzheimer's and dementia, why it affects the Black community more, common misconceptions and how you can be prepared.Like and subscribe to X1 Media for the latest episodes. Stream on all podcast platforms. For more: www.thexonemedia.com
2024-02-2816 min
Terrie & Laurie Spotlight Dr. Kathy WrightTerrie & Laurie Spotlight: Guest Dr. Fayron Eppshttps://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=ZP3E67YX6EVDQIn this episode, hosts Terrie and Laurie are thrilled to welcome Dr. Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, a distinguished nurse with over two decades of experience. Currently holding the Karen and Ronald Hermann Distinguished Chair in Caregiver Research at The University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio School of Nursing, Dr. Epps is a Fellow of the American Academy of Nursing, Southern Gerontological Society, and Gerontological Society of America. Dr. Epps is deeply involved in addressing health disparities for underserved populations. Serving on the Board of...
2024-02-0527 min
Reimagining Black Relations#75 - Caregiving While Black - Dr. Fayron Epps & Karah AlexanderIn a compelling episode of Reimagining Black Relations, we welcome two exceptional guests, Dr. Fayron Epps and Karah Alexander, who are on a mission to enhance the quality of life for Black caregivers. Dr. Epps, with over two decades of experience in nursing and a wealth of knowledge in creating culturally relevant health programs, joins Karah Alexander, a dedicated PhD candidate, to shed light on the unique challenges faced by Black dementia caregivers. Together, they delve deep into the disparities and discriminations that often plague this group, not only within healthcare systems but also in...
2023-12-0830 min
The Memory WhispererAlzheimer's disease and the African American Population; "We Can no Longer be Silent" - Guest: Fayron Epps, PhDRegistered Nurse, professor, and faith leader Dr. Fayron Epps joins Dana for a wide-ranging conversation about Alzheimer’s and other dementias in the African-American community, and how faith-based programs can provide resources for families and care partners facing the disease. Dana and Dr. Epps discuss the stigma surrounding an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, her faith-based psychoeducation programs ‘Alter,’ ‘Dementia-Friendly Online Worship,’ and ‘Caregiving while Black,’ and the larger implications of her research into dementia in marginalized communities. Do you have a question for Dana? Email her directly at thememorywhisperer@gmail.com or visit www.thememorywhisperer.com for additional resources.
2023-12-0723 min
GeriPal - A Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine PodcastBlack/African American Caregivers of Older Adults Living with Dementia: Podcast with Fayron Epps and Karen MossThe proportion of people living with dementia who identify as Black/African Americans is on the rise, and so too are the proportion of caregivers who identify as Black/African American. As our guests talk about today, caregiving for people living with dementia takes a tremendous toll, and when this toll is set atop the challenges of racism in all its forms, the reality of caregiving while Black can be overwhelming. Today we talk with Fayron Epps and Karen Moss, two nurse researchers who are focused on improving the experience of Black/African American caregivers of persons l...
2023-09-2147 minThe GERO-Juice: Hot Spot for Aging NewsGERO JUICE 6-29-23 Mental Health and Medicare Re-play of Dr. Fayron Epps InterviewClosing out the month of June with a replay of the June 2022 interview with Dr. Fayron Epps, Founder of Alter. Dr. Epps reminds listeners in this clip of the benefits to becoming an Alter partner and the "why" behind Alter. Also, listen to how Medicare supports those recipients who suffer from mental health disorders. What coverage can Medicare recipients expect from Part A-D? And name that tv show? This show aired on the late 70's and follows the lives of three teen friends....
2023-07-0459 minReimagining Black Relations#70 Addressing Dementia in the Black Community - Fayron EppsFayron Epps, PhD, RN, a nurse with 20+ years’ experience creating culturally relevant programs to reduce health disparities for underserved populations, highlighted significant health findings, negatively impacting the Black community. Dr. Epps passionately implored patients, their families, caregivers, and spiritual leaders to be engaged, for it is clear the status quo will be insufficient to sustain the community, and the consequences could be dire. The impending threat emphasized the urgency to adapt and collaborate on this new path that ensures the community’s survival and vitality. “I heard that by 2030, 40% of individuals in America with a diagnosis...
2023-06-1048 min
GeriPal - A Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine PodcastGroup ACP and Equity: Sarah Nouri, Hillary Lum, LJ Van ScoyOur guests today present an important rejoinder to the argument that we should refocus away from advance care planning (ACP). Sarah Nouri, Hillary Lum, and LJ Van Scoy argue that diverse communities are asking for ACP. Sarah Nouri gives an example from her work in the LGBTQ+ community of a trans woman who was buried as a man because existing laws/rules did not protect her wishes. Others cited the call from communities to meet them where they are - be they senior centers, Black-owned businesses, or churches (we have a podcast planned in the fall with Fayron Epps...
2023-05-2548 minThe GERO-Juice: Hot Spot for Aging NewsGERO JUICE 5-11-23 Mother's Day Ideas and Talk with Dr. Mary ParrisLast minute Mother's Day ideas that will not break the bank! Also, listen as one Alter church partner shares her thoughts on how the dementia education program has helped her church and community. And as we honor nurses for national nurses month, the GERO-Juice sends a big shoutout to Alter founder and nurse scientist, Dr. Fayron Epps.
2023-05-1259 min
Dementia MattersCaregiving While Black: Dementia Care for Different Racial and Ethnic GroupsWhen seeking medical information and treatment, different racial and ethnic groups may require specially tailored information to relate to, understand and apply to their own experiences. In this episode, Dr. Fayron Epps joins the podcast to talk about the unique experiences of African American caregivers and her lab's work to provide education and assistance to their needs. Epps seeks to promote quality of life for families affected by dementia through research, education and service. This episode is part of a special three-part series highlighting speakers from the Wisconsin Alzheimer’s Institute’s 20th Annual Update in Alzheimer’s Research and Re...
2023-03-0835 min
From One Caregiver to Another99. Fayron Epps, PhD, RN - How to Include Dementia CaregiversJoin host Kay Coughlin as she talks to Fayron Epps, PhD, RN, about Fayron’s groundbreaking Alter Program. Alter was designed to bring people with dementia – and their caregivers – back to practicing faith. You’ll want to share this episode with your family and faith leaders! As always, no judgment, no guilt and no pressure.
Full transcript of episode here: FacilitatorOnFire.net/Episode99
Find Dr. Fayron Epps and Alter Dementia here: Home – Alter (alterdementia.com)
Find next Alter Dementia monthly informational session (virtual) here: https://tinyurl.com/AlterProgram
Find Faith Village Research La...
2023-02-0832 min
Alzheimer's SpeaksAlzheimer's Speaks Radio Talks Spirituality, Research, Programs, & ServicesLori La Bey talks with three powerful dementia advocates. Rev. Jeanette B. Jordan, the Founder & Pastor of Journey to the Cross Ministries, a Multi-Denominational Church in Park Forest, IL. Her husband of 60 years, Robert A. Jordan, was a pediatrician diagnosed with Dementia in 2016. Also joining us is Tammy Jacobs a Community Engagement Specialist with the New IDEAS study. She is responsible for the recruitment of Champion volunteers who will share awareness about the study, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias. And our third advocate is Dr. Fayron Epps, a nurse with over 20 years of experience who serves as an assistant professor...
2022-10-061h 10Alzheimer's SpeaksAlzheimer's Speaks Radio Talks Spirituality, Research, Programs, & ServicesLori La Bey talks with three powerful dementia advocates. Rev. Jeanette B. Jordan, the Founder & Pastor of Journey to the Cross Ministries, a Multi-Denominational Church in Park Forest, IL. Her husband of 60 years, Robert A. Jordan, was a pediatrician diagnosed with Dementia in 2016. Also joining us is Tammy Jacobs a Community Engagement Specialist with the New IDEAS study. She is responsible for the recruitment of Champion volunteers who will share awareness about the study, Alzheimer’s disease, and other dementias. And our third advocate is Dr. Fayron Epps, a nurse with over 20 years of experience who serves as an assistant professor...
2022-10-061h 10
Rodger ThatCaring While Black :: Dr. Fayron EppsAfrican Americans have the highest prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias, but many don't get the support they need. Dr. Fayron Epps is helping to change that. She's devoted her career as a nurse leader to reducing health disparities for underserved populations through innovative, culturally relevant programs for the Black community. She's building resources and awareness around dementia and developing a supportive environment that enhances the well-being of African American families affected by the disease. By changing the narrative around Black people and dementia, she’s helping to change lives for the better. — Don't forge...
2022-08-2422 minThe GERO-Juice: Hot Spot for Aging NewsGERO-JUICE 6-30-22 Exclusive Interview with Dr. Fayron Epps of Alter DementiaExclusive interview with Dr. Fayron Epps, founder of the Alter program. This program is on a mission to educate and equip African American faith-based organizations and worship centers to become dementia-friendly. And hear from one of Alter church partners who have been apart of the program over three years.
2022-08-0659 min
Brain Talk | Being Patient for Alzheimer's Patients and CaregiversAchieving Health Equity in Dementia Care | LiveTalk | Being PatientBeing Patient spoke with a panel of speakers about the conscious and unconscious bias in the healthcare system, as well as solutions at the grassroots level for addressing the challenges of accessing care. This panel discussion is produced by Being Patient with support provided by Eisai. Speakers: Arthena Caston: member of the Alzheimer’s Association National Board of Directors who is living with Alzheimer's. Fayron Epps: principal investigator of the Faith Village Research Lab and founder of the Alter program - For more about the Faith Village Research Lab: https://scholarblogs.emory.edu/epps-f...- For more about the Alter...
2021-11-0248 min
Dementia in Black and WhiteDr. Fayron Epps discusses Online Dementia Friendly Worship ServicesToday we sit down again with Dr. Fayron Epps, Assistant Professor at Emory University. Dr. Epps will share information about a new program called Faith Village. If you would like more information you can call 678-723-8788. To communicate with Dr. Epps directly reach out to fepps@emory.edu.
2021-07-0927 minDementia in Black and WhiteInterview w/Dr. Epps about the Alter ProgramToday we sit down with Dr. Fayron Epps, Assistant Professor at Emory University. Dr. Epps will share information about a program to help churches become more dementia friendly. If you know of a faith community who could benefit from this program please reach out to the Alter Program at outreach@alterdementia.com. You can also visit their website at Alterdementia.com. To communicate with Dr. Epps directly reach out to fepps@emory.edu.
2021-07-0227 min
Mental Health + Aging with Dr. Regina Koepp#045- Dementia Education for African American Families with Dr. Fayron EppsDementia is one of the most important, but often overlooked, health care issues related to older African Americans. Research shows that African Americans are two to three times more likely to develop a dementia disorder (compared to European Americans) and at the same time are less likely to be diagnosed early in the disease process and provided with adequate treatment.Today's guest, Dr. Fayron Epps, Nurse Scientist and Assistant Professor at Emory University, Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, is focused on changing this by improving access to resources a...
2021-02-1033 min
Black Parents Aging PodcastEpisode #12 : Church, Parents & Dementia (Part 2)As promised, we have Dr. Fayron Epps back on the show! We just couldn’t have enough of her during our previous interview, and so we just had to bring her back. If you haven’t listened to Part 1, you definitely should. In this episode, she talks about: Role of the church in supporting the caregivers to people with dementia How the church can help the congregation understand the needs of people with dementia How to keep our aging parents still connected to church and community Developing dementia friendly communities and pro...
2021-02-0324 min
Black Parents Aging PodcastEpisode #10 : Coping with Your Aging Parents’ DementiaCaring for an aging parent is a complex task. When dementia care is part of the picture, it becomes a lot more difficult. . Cognitive and behavioral changes from dementia can occur unpredictably, and parents may resist care. If you are a caregiver for an aging parent with dementia, the first step is to understand the disease and some of the changes it causes. This is why in today’s episode, Nicola speaks to Dr. Fayron Epps, a nurse who has found her mission to educate African Americans on dementia and empower their church families who sup...
2021-01-2147 min
Patient Partner Innovation Community Podcast7. Alzehimers and Memory Loss Disease Welcome to the Patient Partner Innovation Community Podcast. This podcast was created to inform patients, families and caregivers about important health transformation topics.
On this week's episode, Dr. Knitasha Washington sits with co-host Patient Network Lead Desiree Bradley and Dr. Epps of Georgia State University to discuss Alzehimers and Memory Loss Disease.
Guest: Dr. Fayron Epps http://telesavvy.org 404-413-1204 fepps@gsu.edu-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Recorded April 2019/Released July 2019.
2019-07-1129 min
Alzheimer's SpeaksAfrican Americans - Living Fully Leveraging Faith, Dementia & SelfcareLori La Bey talks with Dr. Fayron Epps who has over 18 years of nursing experience. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Georgia State University Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions and as an affiliate faculty with the Gerontology Institute and Partnership for Urban Health Research. Also joining them is Retired Army Colonel, Camilla White who has been the primary caregiver for her mother since 2014. Ms. White is also an active Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter. They will discuss 1) the importance of church and faith and how congregations can support those li...
2019-06-041h 00Alzheimer's SpeaksAfrican Americans - Living Fully Leveraging Faith, Dementia & SelfcareLori La Bey talks with Dr. Fayron Epps who has over 18 years of nursing experience. She currently serves as an Assistant Professor at Georgia State University Byrdine F. Lewis College of Nursing and Health Professions and as an affiliate faculty with the Gerontology Institute and Partnership for Urban Health Research. Also joining them is Retired Army Colonel, Camilla White who has been the primary caregiver for her mother since 2014. Ms. White is also an active Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association, Georgia Chapter.
They will discuss 1) the importance of church and faith and how congregations can support those li...
2019-06-041h 00