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2012 Conference on Alzheimer's & Other Dementias
Saturday, April 28, 2012
8 a.m. - Noon
Waterfront Convention Center | Bettendorf, Iowa
More details
This Caregiver Conference is for people who care for family and friends in Iowa or Illinois. Join us for a FREE half-day of exhibits and speakers who include an attorney, doctor and Alzheimer's specialist. For more information call 800.892.9085.
Sponsored by: Alzheimer's Association, Greater Iowa Chapter, Alternatives for the Older Adult, Generations Area Agency on Aging, & Western Illinois Area Agency on Aging.
Monday, April 30, 2012
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Meadow Events & Conference Center | Altoona, Iowa
This conference is for both family and professional caregivers, as well as family members. To register, be a sponsor, or be a vendor contact the Alzheimer's Association at 515.440.2722 or email Polly.Johnston@alz.org.
Click here for more conference information.
Community Education
We offer several educational programs for families facing Alzheimer’s, professionals seeking education credits, and community members. Most of the programs, described below are free of charge to the public, but when CEU's are available there may be a charge.Programs may be expanded to include more medical management information for professional audiences. To schedule or host an educational program, please contact the Alzheimer's Association Program Specialist in your area today. To view the classes in your area already being offered, view our educational calendar. Pre-registration is required for these programs.
The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer's Disease
This program is a workshop designed for anyone who would like to know more about Alzheimer's disease and related dementias. The workshop includes information on the symptoms and effects of the disease, how Alzheimer's affects the brain, causes and risk factors, how to find out if it is Alzheimer's disease, the benefits of early detection, how to address an Alzheimer's diagnosis, stages of the disease, treatment, hope for the future, and ways the Association can help. It is ideal for community presentations, corporate employee wellness meetings, support group programming, and more.
Living with Alzheimer's: For People with Alzheimer's
The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease is life-changing and leads to many questions. What will this mean for me and my family? How do I plan for the future? Where can I get the help I need? Living wit Alzheimer's: For People with Alzheimer's is an interactive, three-part program where you will have a chance to hear from others who have been where you are. We will discuss what you need to know, what you need to plan, and what you can do to navigate this part of your life.
Living with Alzheimer's: For Younger-Onset Alzheimer's
When someone under 65 is diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia, the first reaction is often shock or denial. This doesn't happen to someone so young, does it? What does the diagnosis mean? What kinds of plans need to be made and where can I find the resources I need? This series of programs provides answers to the questions that arise for people concerned with younger-onset Alzheimer's disease or a related dementia. Hear from those directly affected and learn what you need to know, what you need to plan, and what you can do to navigate this part of your life.
Living with Alzheimer's: For Caregivers
When someone is diagnosed with Alzheimer's, friends and family have many questions. As the disease progresses, new questions reflect growing needs for skills, programs, and services. This series of programs provides answers to the questions that arise in the early, middle, and late stages of Alzheimer's of the disease including developing a care team, legal and financial planning, coping strategies, care and treatment options, communicating and connecting, and maximizing independence.
Legal and Financial Planning for Alzheimer's Disease
The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease makes planning for the future more important than ever. Concerns about care provisions and programs that can help offset costs mean that families need accurate information about legal and financial planning specific to the disease. This program is an interactive, two-part program where participants have a chance to learn about important legal and financial issues to consider, how to put plans in place, and how to access legal and financial resources.
Alzheimer’s Disease and the Holidays
Holidays can be meaningful times for both the person with Alzheimer’s disease and their loved ones. Maintaining or adapting family traditions can strengthen family relationships and link the person with Alzheimer’s to a familiar and reassuring past. Participants will learn to recognize activities that are appropriate for holiday celebrations based on various stages of Alzheimer’s, discuss the special considerations related to traveling with a person with Alzheimer’s, and learn about gift suggestions for people with Alzheimer’s and their caregivers.
Meaningful Activities
This program is designed to give family caregivers the tools to prevent or minimize disease specific behaviors caused by inactivity. Six major purposes of activities will be explored and specific activities for each purpose will be discussed. Information on making a Life Story book and a diversion kit will be available as well as suggestions for activities to enhance long-term care visits.
Creating a Safe Caregiving Environment
When caring for an individual with Alzheimer’s disease at home, safety and accessibility can be important concerns. People with Alzheimer’s may experience changes in judgment, behavior, physical ability, senses and orientation to time and place. With some creativity, flexibility and problem solving, the home can be adapted to support these changes. This workshop provides simple steps to make the home safe and supportive for the individual with Alzheimer’s.
The Older Driver: Balancing Safety and Independence
The older adult, family members and caregivers are often concerned about safety, and specifically, when should someone diagnosed with Alzheimer's stop driving. This is a deeply personal and emotional issue, and this education program will provide information on the effects of aging on driving, especially when dementia has been diagnosed, as well as ways to determine when a senior driver is no longer safe, and ways to ease the transition.
Partnering With Your Physician
A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease or a related illness is the first step in mapping out the treatment and care for the patient. Forming a partnership with your doctor can help, and you can start by understanding the disease and its treatment. Learn ways to educate yourself and work with your physician to ensure the best care possible.
Know the 10 Warning Signs of Alzheimer's
Memory loss that disrupts everyday life is not a typical part of aging. It may be a sign of Alzheimer's disease. From trouble driving to a familiar location, managing a budget at work or remembering the rules of a favorite game, the sooner anyone displaying any warning signs is seen by a physican, the better. Find out more about the Warning Signs and the benefits of early detection and diagnosis.
