Mark your calendars for an opportunity to delve deeper into understanding Alzheimer's and dementia. Pierce County Human Services, in collaboration with the Health Care Providers Council of Pierce County, is hosting its annual Alzheimer’s Dementia Awareness Conference on Saturday, September 20. Slated to take place at Rainier View Christian Church in Tacoma, WA, the event starts with doors opening at 8 a.m. and a full schedule running through 3:30 p.m.
The theme of this year's gathering is "Embracing the New Normal: Understanding Dementia." It is tailored for those diagnosed with the condition, their family members, and caregivers to gain insight into the disease. Two presentations are headlining the conference: one by Dr. Douglas Lane on "Adequate Evaluations and Understanding the Diagnosis," and another by Sandy O’Brien, MN, RN, on "How Roles Change with Disease Progression." In addition, panels of experts will be available both during the morning and afternoon sessions to address questions, providing a direct line to specialized knowledge.
Aside from the educational component, the conference will also feature information resource tables hosted by various provider agencies. These tables will be staffed throughout the event to offer additional support and resources. The organizers have made sure that attendees will have ample time to explore these resources, listen to the expert panels, and take necessary breaks. Refreshments and a light lunch are on the house. Understandably, for the professionals among us, there's a bonus—four Continuing Education (CE) credits will be up for grabs for long-term care workers who attend the full day. Registration is free but required, and it can be completed online through the Pierce County website.
Dementia's impact on cognitive functions including memory, reasoning, and judgment can be profound, and this conference strives to shed light on the multifaceted challenges it imposes. Alzheimer's disease, the most prevalent form of dementia, affects over 7 million Americans—a number projected to escalate. The educational day is structured not only to enlighten participants about the diagnosis but to equip them with practical tools and advice for adapting to the realities of disease progression, and to navigating the legal and financial aspects inherent in care.
