Alzheimer's Conference

2022 Alzheimers Conference

2022 Alzheimer’s Conference: Busting the Myths and Misinformation of Dementia

Sponsored by Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources and the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County.


Join us in person on Saturday, October 1, from 8 a.m. - 1 p.m., for the 17th annual Alzheimer's Conference! Participants will hear presentations from subject-matter experts that offer information and practical skills for individuals and families dealing with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. 


This year's conference is called "Busting the Myths and the Misinformation of Dementia," to bring new guidance to those who live with the disease in their daily lives, whether they are family members, caregivers, care receivers, or adult care supporters. The event will feature two outstanding speakers, a panel discussion, and opportunities to meet and interact with vendors offering resources and support related to Alzheimer's and dementia. Doors open at 8 a.m. with presentations starting at 8:45 a.m. 

Easily register online or call the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) at 253-798-4600.


This conference will offer 1.5 Continuing Education Credits (CEUs) to eligible caregivers who register and attend.

Register Online

Click here to register online and reserve your ticket.

Unable to Register Online?
Contact the Aging and Disability Resource Center (ADRC) to reserve your tickets Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. by calling 253-798-4600.

2022 Alzheimer's Conference Speaker


Associate Professor of Biochemistry, University of Washington-Tacoma

"As our population ages, Alzheimer’s Disease is a rapidly increasing condition and is the primary increasing cause of mortality. This rise of Alzheimer’s in the U.S. continues unabated due, in part, to the complete lack of disease-modifying therapies. Despite years of research and over 500 failed clinical trials, one drug (Aduhelm) has received tentative FDA approval. However, its high cost and questionable benefit make its use controversial. The goal of my talk is to have an honest discussion on both the medical interventions currently being explored as well as lower tech solutions that may reduce the cost and psychological burden of care for individuals with AD."

2022 Alzheimer's Conference Speaker


Keynote Speaker, Author, Caregiver and Family Counselor

Laura Wayman is the author of “A Loving Approach To Dementia Care." Her mission as the 'Dementia Whisperer' and as an internationally recognized dementia care expert is to change the world in a way in which all memory care services are provided to those who suffer from various memory care impairments.  Laura wants to give meaning and purpose to those diagnosed with dementia or memory impairment – as well as give families/caregivers the peace of mind and understanding that there is enhanced quality of life for, as well as improved quality of relationships with, their loved ones.  

Laura can be reached at 916-792-75122 or [email protected]

Visit www.laurawayman.com for more information.  

  1. What is Alzheimers?
  2. What is the HCPC?
  3. Resources
  4. 2021 Conference
  5. 2020 Conference

Alzheimer’s disease is a type of dementia. Dementia is a loss of thinking, remembering, and reasoning skills that interferes with a person’s daily life and activities.  Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia among older people. Other types of dementia include Lewy body dementia, frontotemporal dementia, and vascular dementia. 

Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias – in addition to conditions such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and developmental disabilities – can cause cognitive impairment.  A few commons signs of cognitive impairment include: memory loss; frequently asking the same question or repeating the same story over and over; not recognizing familiar people and places; having trouble exercising judgment, such as knowing what to do in an emergency; changes in mood or behavior; vision problems; and difficulty planning and carrying out tasks, such as following a recipe or keeping track of monthly bills.

More than 5 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s.  In addition, many more are living without knowing they have the disease.  Supporting them are over 16 million family members and friends who provide unpaid care at home.  Their care is valued at nearly $244 billion by the Alzheimer’s Association.  Between 2000 and 2018 deaths from Alzheimer’s has increased 146% and is now the sixth leading cause of death in the United States. Alzheimer’s disease is currently ranked as the sixth leading cause of death in the United States.  

Researchers do not yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s disease in most people.  However, they continue to study a complex series of age-related brain changes, along with genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors to better understand the disease. Just because a family member has Alzheimer’s disease does not mean that others in the family will get it, too.  Genetic factors can make people more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, but there is no guarantee someone will get it.

Currently, there is no cure for Alzheimer’s disease.  Several drugs have been approved to treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease, and certain medicines and other approaches can help control behavioral symptoms.  Scientists continue to develop and test possible new treatments.