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Alzheimer's 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.
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
John M. Finke, Ph. D.
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
Laura Wayman
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.
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.
The Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County is a non-profit organization that promotes the highest standards of service, care, and well-being for older and disabled adults.
Since 2000, the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County has grown to over 200 individuals who represent various organizations committed to providing exceptional services to our community.
HCPC also does several annual events:
- The All Star Caregivers recognition dinner honors paid and unpaid caregivers.
- Making the Link is a showcase of providers of services for seniors and people living with disabilities.
- The Alzheimer’s Conference provides information and resources for individuals and families struggling with AD and other dementias.
- The Holiday Celebration donates funds to senior centers and select community organizations
- In 2021 HCPC will also work with the NW Parkinson’s Foundation for a community-wide Parkinson’s Conference
Alzheimer's is the most common cause of dementia, a general term for memory loss and other cognitive abilities serious enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer's disease accounts for 60-80% of dementia cases. It is a progressive disease that gets worse over time. Alzheimer's has no current cure, but treatments for symptoms are available and research continues. Below are resources from experts in the field and our Aging and Disability Resources Center:
We're Not in Kansas Anymore!
Monday, Nov. 1: We're Not in Kansas Anymore! (View the recorded presentation)
Presenters address first step concerns, from the initial diagnosis, to symptoms of dementia, what to expect, early stage behaviors, and how not to forget about yourself, during this shared journey on the purple path. In addition, panelists will review legal issues, financial planning, and Veteran services, addressing long-term care questions that everyone needs answered as early as possible!
There's No Place Like Home
Wednesday, Nov. 3: There's No Place Like Home (View the recorded presentation)
Experts share guidance on maintaining health and safety at home, with a little help, and when you need it. Panelists will also review support services that can be provided at home, with home care, home health, actual medical care with physicians, caregiver burnout, and local support groups. This day will also include further discussions of legal and financial considerations, specific to providing care at home.Welcome to the Land of Oz!
Monday, Nov. 8: Welcome to the Land of Oz! (View the recorded presentation)
Gain insight on later steps, such as: When is it time to move? What’s the right thing for my family? Where would my loved one go? Who can help? Expert panelists will answer these questions, while explaining the process of choosing and moving a loved one into a community of care, including different levels of care, funding options, and the required legal documents.Somewhere Over the Rainbow
Wednesday, Nov. 10: Somewhere Over the Rainbow (View the recorded presentation)
Discussions will explore final decision-making, coping with grief, regret, and self-care, along with healing and finding peace after the long journey of caring for a loved one suffering from dementia. In addition, Hospice and Palliative care share their expertise, knowledge, and the “good good-bye”.Last year, we held the first ever virtual Alzheimer's Conference during the month of September. We had over 100 participants join us for presentations by community providers and subject-matter experts. Below are links to presentations from the 2020 Alzheimer's Conference.
Presentations with Q&A
- Sept. 3 - Isolation During the Pandemic (Session 1)
- Sept. 10 - Dementia Friendly Activities (Session 2)
- Sept. 17 - Handling Challenging Behaviors (Session 3)
- Powerpoint presentation by Laura Vaillancourt (PDF)
- Alzheimer's Stages and Behaviors (Alzheimer's Association)
- Managing Personality and Behavior Changes in Alzheimer's (National Institute on Aging)
- Sept. 24 - Legal and Financial Planning (Session 4)
- Powerpoint presentation by Bryana Cross Bean and Meredith Grigg (PDF)
- Legal and Financial Planning for People with Alzheimer's (National Institute on Aging)
- Planning Ahead for Legal Matters (Alzheimer's Association)
- Video of the session