Solomon Carter Fuller, an African American physician, psychiatrist, pathologist, and professor, contributed greatly to the discovery of Alzheimer’s disease. He was the first African American psychiatrist and studied under Alois Alzheimer, credited with identifying Alzheimer’s disease. While he faced discrimination in the medical field, it did not prevent him from advancing his career or deter his commitment to his work. His role in Alzheimer’s disease research began in 1904, when he performed studies of brain degeneration. Dr. Fuller made considerable contributions to the knowledge and understanding of Alzheimer’s disease.

Alzheimer’s LA is also proud to recognize the contributions made by Lois King, an advocate, educator, networker, and community gatekeeper. For ten years, Lois, or “Ms. King” as she is known in the community, played a major role in shifting the local community’s awareness of Alzheimer’s disease. Lois worked directly with churches, changing strategies and focusing on women’s auxiliaries of the churches. The “sisters,” or gatekeepers, welcomed the opportunity to learn about Alzheimer’s disease and to share what they learned with the women of other auxiliaries. Lois mastered connecting with churches as well as maintaining those relationships. She organized a quarterly meeting with the sisters who represented various denominations, and, through listening to the community and fostering trust, needs were identified, small libraries were established, materials were disseminated, and understanding increased. Lois sagely said, “You can’t start at the top. Speak with those who are doing the work.”