Annual Understanding Alzheimer's Disease, Dementia and Memory Loss Workshop

Thursday, March 14, 2019

The Alzheimer’s & Dementia Alliance of Wisconsin and the Grant County Dementia Care Network present the 20th Annual Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, and Memory Loss workshop at Southwest Wisconsin Technical College's Fred Lenz Conference Center in Fennimore.

Family members, direct care workers and professionals will learn the latest information and resources to help face this growing health epidemic. Learn about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias and person-centered care through informative and interactive presentations. 

Break-out sessions offered for family caregivers and professionals. 

Pre-registration is required. No walk-ins.
Cost: $25 per person.* Includes breakfast and lunch.
No refunds.

Register Now!

Limited scholarships are available for family caregivers to assist with registration fees.  

Respite care is available. Arrangments must be made by Thursday, March 1, 2019.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

* Workshop directed toward family caregivers.

8:00 - 8:30 AM Registration/Resource Fair/Continental breakfast

8:30 - 8:45 AM Welcome

8:45 - 9:45 AM Keynote Presentation: Re-imagine Dementia

Presenter: Angela Lunde, Associate of Neurology, Mayo Clinic

Common stereotypes about dementia will be challenged, offering a new and more truthful narrative of our expectations, beliefs, languages, and actions.

Learning Objective: Learn to recognize how a focus on 'changing abilities' shifts our perspective; identify 'assets' of those living with dementia; understand the truth behind 'behaviors;' learn actions that lead to greater well-being for those living with dementia, as well as those who love and support them. 

9:45 - 10:00 AM  Break/Resource Fair

10:00 - 11:00 AM  Breakout Session I

1A*  A Path to Greater Ease

Presenter: Angela Lunde, Associate of Neurolog, Mayo Clinic

Caring for a person with dementia is one of the hardest 'jobs,' but also rewarding and meaningful. Explore an introduction to an experiential view of dementia and how personal attitudinal shifts are the foundation for greater ease in caregiving. 

Learning Objective: Identify four key things to do every day to minimize stress and understand the relationship between skillful communiction and meeting emotional needs. 

1B  The Effects of Past Trauma on Current Behavior

Presenter:  Rita Udelhoven, MA, LPC, MSE Human Services Degree

Trauma-Informed care takes into account past trauma and the resulting coping mechanisms that arise. 

Learning Objective: Explore ways to better understand a client's behaviors and provide treatment that prevents further trauma while respecting dignity. 

11:00 - 11:15 AM   Break/Resource Fair

11:15 - 12:15 PM   Breakout Session II

2A* Self-Care Through Mindfulness Based Dementia Caring

Presenter: Angela Lunde, Associate of Neurology, Mayo Clinic

Mindfulness is a practice of focusing on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. Explore the beneficial roles of practicing mindfulness in care-partnering and self-care.             

Learning objective: Learn examples of mindfulness and receive three mindfulness techniques to practice.

2B  Proactive Approaches to Behavioral Expressions

Presenter: Paula Gibson, Regional Director of Communications and Engagement, Azura Memory Care

Why is this resident hitting me? Learn ways to peel back the layers of behavioral expressions and reveal a path to holistic, proactive interventions.

Learning objective: Learn innovative ways to engage the minds and hearts of care teams to better understand those with memory loss. 

12:15 - 1:15 PM  Lunch, Networking, Resource Fair

1:15 - 2:15 PM   Breakout Session III

3A*  Doing the Dementia Dance

Presenter: Paula Gibson, Regional Director of Communications and Engagement, Azura Memory Care

It can be overwhelming when a loved one receives a dementia diagnosis and different challenges emerge as the diagnosis progresses. Review the steps needed to navigate the journey of dementia. 

Learning objective: Receive a guideline on what to do after a diagnosis; what to consider when selecting care providers; and methods to care for oneself.  

3B To Sleep, Perchance to Remember (Sleep, Neurocognition and Dementia)

Presenter: Dr. Barczi, MD, University of Wisconsin Hospital and Clinics

An overview of core principles of the physiology of sleep and how these principles change with dementia and related disorders. Review emerging evidence that links sleep to memory and neurocognitive performance. 

Learning objective: Learn ways to incorporate several basic strategies for optimizing sleep in dementia and related disorders.   

2:15 - 3:00 PM   Closing Presentation: Life Balance: Stumble or Stand

Presenter: Paula Gibson, Regional Director of Communications and Engagement, Azura Memory Care

Life is not an even road, so what do you do when you stumble? Discover the benefits of keeping your mind, body and spirit standing and balanced despite the highs and lows of life and caregiving. 

Learning objective: Receive fun and inspirational ways to balance your mind, body and spirit.

3:00 - 3:15 PM    Wrap-up and Evaluations