About The James M. Dixon Foundation
The James M. Dixon Foundation is a non-profit, 501C3 organization that provides funding for many areas of Alzheimer's and Dementia related diseases, research, as well as support for Caregivers of adults with Alzheimer's and related Dementias through its Mindful Caring project. The Foundation will provide specific and guided assistance to:
- Agencies, including colleges and universities who conduct research;
- Research hospitals that conduct primary research in the area of Alzheimer's disease in African American males;
- Research hospitals that conduct research in the areas of prevention of Alzheimer's and Dementia related diseases;
- Longitudinal research to determine if persons suffering from late stage Alzheimer's disease have periods of lucidity; and,
- Funding for scholarships at area Medical Schools, named The James M. Dixon Scholarship Fund, especially for students pursuing careers in neurology, gerontology, public health, and disease prevention.
Beginning in 2020, The Foundation will host an annual Fundraiser to take place on or around the 10th of August. Each event will honor a nominated Caregiver, a Health Provider, Researcher, Student, and Agency or Agency Director. There will also be a President's Award given. These awards include monetary gifts. This will be the major funding source for scholarships and research, although ongoing contributions and continual smaller events will take place throughout the year.
In Honor of A Wonderful Man: James M. Dixon, Sr.
Mr. Dixon was born in 1927, in Chicago, IL. He was decorated in both the Air Force and the Army of the U.S. Armed Services, and was an accountant for the U.S. Postal Service. Mr. Dixon was a whiz in Math and on the computer, and he was very active in his community. In 1991, Mr. Dixon and his wife Mimi retired to Sun City Center, Fl. He was active in the Computer Club and continued volunteering to prepare taxes for many years. Mr. Dixon experience relatively good health well into his mid 80s, swimming 40 laps per day and traveling across the world. He won his battles with prostate, stomach, and lung cancers, however, in his late 80s, he became forgetful, lost some reasoning skills, and began to lose his balance, even forgetting how to use the computer and directions to his favorite restaurant. At the age of 88, he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. During his short journey with the disease, Mr. Dixon retained his friendly and kind demeanor, greeting everyone he met with a smile. Although there were other circumstances that developed at the Assisted Living Facility, Mr. Dixon's journey ended at the age of 90, in 2018. His daughter, Dr. Lori, established The James M. Dixon Foundation in his honor, to bring awareness of the disease and other Dementia related illnesses, to support Caregivers, to recommend legislation protecting residents living at Assisted Living Facilities, to encourage and help fund research, and provide scholarships for students attending medical school. The Foundation envisions a world free of Alzheimer's disease, and provides opportunities to assist with that vision and allow others avenues to support that vision.
More Information and How You Can Get Involved!
The Foundation is involved in several activities that allow you to become active against the fight to decrease the number of persons diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Dementia related diseases each year. There are also several other events and activities across the Atlanta area that may interest you. If you live in another city or state, please send us an email message, and we will locate those resources for you. Some of your local opportunities with
The Foundation include:
- Awareness Sessions throughout the Atlanta area. Check the calendar for specific dates and times.
- I Got My Mind Back book debut - 2020.
The Foundation and The Alzheimer's Association
- The Longest Day June 20, 2020.
- The Alzheimer's Walk - September 26, 2020. ______________________________
- The Foundation hosts a weekly digital and social linked newsletters with lots of useful information and resources. Send us an email message, and we will love to sign you up for a subscription.
- Our email address is: mindfulcaring@aol.com
- Our phone contact is: 404-263-6380
Research
Currently, we know there is not a cure for Alzheimer's disease, although breakthroughs are happening every day. The Foundation supports organizations and agencies that conduct promising research in the areas: of causes of Alzheimer's Disease; brain disease and other Dementias; and, eventually a cure for this disease. We also support programs that provide information in the areas of awareness, prevention and care. You can see some of these organizations below.
Encourage Research Participants
Organizations and agencies cannot conduct research if they do not have participants, especially in the African American community. Alzheimer's disease affects African Americans more than any other group. However, African Americans are one of the least likely groups to participate in research or give to organizations or agencies conducting research and awareness on their behalf. It is important for this to change, if we are going to make headway in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The Foundation supports organizations that conduct research in the area of Alzheimer's disease and brain health.
Alzheimer's is a Very Expensive Disease
Alzheimer's is a very expensive disease! Alzheimer's disease is considered the most expensive disease in America. It is estimated that Alzheimer's disease cost $305 billion in the U.S. in 2020, which was a $28 billion increase from 2018. These costs are expected to increase to $1.1 trillion by 2050, with 88 million Alzheimer's patients. This data is from the Alzheimer's Association, but does not include an estimated value of $244 billion for 18.6 billion hours of unpaid care and financial support, provided by 16 million unpaid American Caregivers.
- It is estimated that Alzheimer's costs an average of $341,000.00, for healthcare needs from diagnosis to death. Most families pay about 70% of this cost.
How The Foundation Assists the Community
Practicing Self Care Rituals
Practicing Self Care Rituals
Practicing Self Care Rituals
It is important for Caregivers to take care of themselves as they take care of loved ones. The Foundation's Mindfulness Campaign provides mindfulness & meditation activities that encourage both Caregivers and persons living with Alzheimer's & related dementias to relax and refresh.
Daily Meditation
Practicing Self Care Rituals
Practicing Self Care Rituals
Daily meditation rituals help you to focus, relax, and gain control of your life and your environment. Meditation can provide peace and an ability take on the day without feeling frustrated, rushed, and unorganized. The Mindful Caring and Meditations Newsletter incorporates meditation techniques, suggestions, and resources.
Sharing Healthy Habits
Practicing Self Care Rituals
Living in the Here and Now
We are sharing information relating to safe health practices during this Coronavirus pandemic season. We need to keep our loved ones as safe as possible, especially now. Frequent handwashing, using hand sanitizer, physical distancing, and wearing face masks are all practices that can keep our loved ones safe.
Living in the Here and Now
The Adult Bedtime Story Series
Living in the Here and Now
We spend our lives thinking about what we already did or are going to do, and we completely miss what we are doing. Learn to stay in the present and you'll enjoy life's little moments. (The Mindful Manual)
The Adult Bedtime Story Series
The Adult Bedtime Story Series
The Adult Bedtime Story Series
Dr. Lori provides a weekly Bedtime Story podcast for older adults. Dr. Lori's father enjoyed hearing her voice and having her read stories to him before he went to bed, so she decided to share them in a podcast. Join her on Spotify, Google Podcast and other outlets for Mindful Bedtime Stories. New stories aire every Monday.
The Caregivers Forum
The Adult Bedtime Story Series
The Adult Bedtime Story Series
The Mindful Caring Caregivers' Forum launches in November 2020. The Caregivers' Forum will discuss useful information that Caregivers need and most people don't want to talk about. We will share useful information on products and services, tips for caring for loved ones living with Alzheimer's and other dementias, and host community experts to answer your questions. We will also have giveaways of the products shown each month.