FAQs

No, Dr. Fayron is a doctoral-prepared nurse. She received her PhD in Nursing from Southern University and A&M College in 2012.

Inspired by her family roots, nursing background, and passion for community ministry, Dr. Fayron began her research journey in 2013 to address the urgent need for culturally relevant support for African American families affected by dementia. At the start of her career, she was unaware of any relatives with dementia. Yet, she quickly realized how disproportionately her community was impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, as highlighted by the Alzheimer’s Association’s Facts and Figures report. She has since dedicated her career to bridging science, faith, and community action.

Yes, Dr. Fayron is the founder of Alter Dementia (also known as The Alter Program), where she works closely with co-founder Ms. Mia Chester. Alter Dementia is a national initiative equipping African American faith communities to become dementia-friendly. Through education, support networks, and spiritual care, it empowers congregations to walk alongside families affected by dementia. To date, more than 115 faith communities across 23 states are engaged. Dr. Fayron also envisioned and leads the annual Alter Dementia Summit, which over the past two years has convened more than 500 participants, strengthening support and expanding the reach of vital resources. More information about the Alter Program and the Summit can be found at https://alterdementia.com/

Her research centers on dementia caregiving, health equity, faith-based interventions, and community-engaged research. She develops and tests programs that empower caregivers, reduce disparities, and strengthen families living with dementia. Her work addresses the disproportionate burden of dementia in Black families by offering culturally tailored education, building supportive church ministries, and advocating for equity in research and care access.

Current projects that Dr. Fayron is leading include testing the effectiveness of Caregiving while Black, expanding Caregiving While Black: LIVE, and creating a national dissemination model of the Alter program for public health and service agencies.

Caregiving While Black is a psychoeducation course designed specifically for African American caregivers. Dr. Fayron created the course “For Us, By Us” during the pandemic after hearing from caregivers nationwide that existing resources were not relatable or responsive to their cultural needs. The program addresses the unique reality of being Black in America while also caring for and advocating for a loved one living with dementia.

Recognizing the health care system’s biases, Caregiving While Black empowers caregivers with the knowledge and confidence to advocate for better health outcomes for themselves and their families. It equips Black caregivers with practical tools, knowledge, and support to navigate the challenges of caregiving while centering cultural values and resilience. The original version is a self-paced, online course currently being tested in a clinical trial, with plans for public release. Caregiving While Black: LIVE is an enhanced version that includes weekly face-to-face sessions over two months. This format provides frequent touchpoints, reinforcing learning and supporting caregivers as they process new information. Looking ahead, Dr. Fayron and her team plan to train community members to lead the LIVE sessions and develop an app that delivers on-demand information for African American caregivers.

Engaging Beyond Dementia is a company founded by Dr. Fayron and Ms. Janelle Gore dedicated to designing and providing activities that nourish the spirits of families affected by dementia. Their Beyond Box is a treasure trove of activities that intertwine faith, community, and cognitive stimulation. The company aims to provide high-quality activities at affordable prices and support families in remaining religiously and spiritually engaged at home. They offer a wide range of activities, including devotionals, memory games, music, and more, carefully curated to meet high standards of quality and functionality. For more information, visit their website (https://engagingbeyonddementia.com/).

Dr. Fayron partners with pastors, congregations, and community leaders to develop dementia-friendly ministries that reflect each faith community’s traditions and needs. Through these collaborations, she helps create spaces that provide education, respite opportunities, and spiritual support for families affected by dementia. She also shares this work nationally, often speaking at and attending faith conventions to inspire and equip other communities.

Families can participate in programs such as Caregiving While Black or attend the annual Alter Dementia Summit. Churches and organizations may partner through training, workshops, or by joining the Alter Dementia Network. Dr. Fayron also welcomes volunteers who are passionate about advancing this mission. Volunteers can serve on the advisory council, research design team, or as Alter liaisons. If you are interested in supporting her research projects and community initiatives, reach out today to learn more.

Yes. Dr. Fayron regularly speaks at conferences, churches, and community gatherings. She brings warmth, expertise, and lived wisdom to topics such as dementia caregiving, brain health, equity, and faith-based care. To inquire about availability and speaker fees, please complete the contact form on this website or email info@drfayron.com.

Dr. Fayron is a sought-after speaker whose messages focus on dementia-friendly faith communities, caregiving in Black families, health disparities, research translation, empowering communities to lead, and community-engaged research. She also delivers inspirational talks that motivate and uplift scholars, drawing from her journey of faith, perseverance, and leadership. Her presentations not only inspire but also equip scholars and communities with the confidence to pursue excellence, embrace their purpose, and create meaningful change.

Her work has been highlighted in The New York Times, NPR, AARP, and numerous nursing and gerontology journals. She is also a featured character in a children’s book series inspiring young readers (Auntie, What is Alzheimer’s and Pops, Don’t Forget).

Yes, Dr. Fayron wrote a personal memoir, From Faith to Action: My Journey to Healing Communities Facing Dementia. This book captures Dr. Fayron’s personal and professional journey to not only healing communities but also finding her purpose in life. In this book, you will find the story of what happens when one amongst us makes the conscious decision to walk by faith and not by sight alone and, by doing so, gives readers tangible evidence to prove that. This book intends to inspire individuals and communities to lead with intention and take meaningful action. Her book can be purchased through Amazon.

Collaboration is welcome! Reach out to her team through the website or email at info@drfayron.com to explore partnership opportunities.

Yes. Dr. Fayron is committed to mentoring the next generation of researchers, health professionals, and community leaders. She has guided numerous students and faculty in caregiving research, faith-based interventions, and community engagement.

Donations can be made to support the Alter Dementia program and related initiatives (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=DQA4KBUCLYMVY).

Contributions help sustain education, caregiver support, and the annual Summit.

You can stay connected with Dr. Fayron by following her on all social media platforms for the latest updates, resources, and opportunities.