STAFF REPORTS
news@allwnynews.com
CHEEKTOWAGA — An all-day education conference dealing with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia will be held at the Millenium Hotel on Walden Avenue on April 21.
The “Dementia Care Symposium,” put forth by the Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapterthe Alzheimer’s Association Western New York Chapter aims to help those who are among the estimated 150,000 people across Western New York who provide some kind of care for a person with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia.
The conference will feature a keynote speech addressing the state of Alzheimer’s research by Beth Kallmyer, who is vice president of constituent services for the Alzheimer’s Association, based in Chicago. Her presentation will review the latest research and practice interventions including treatments, and health living strategies.
A second keynote will be delivered by Connecticut-based Maureen Matthews, PhD, RN, a renowned psychotherapist and dementia expert who will discuss improving quality of life for those with cognitive impairment.
Afternoon workshops presented by local experts will focus on the unique challenges facing family care partners, including financial and behavioral issues, and offer advice on overcoming them.
Professional health care providers will strength or re-fresh their skills, and earn Continuing Education Credits for specific disciplines. And a special program will also be offered for those with a diagnosis of early stage dementia.
“This symposium is an excellent way for professionals and families to not only learn techniques for caregiving, but how to work together as a care team and make sure they are mindful of their own health,” says Julia Szprygada, the Chapter’s education director who is organizing the conference. ”There is pertinent information for anyone involved in dementia care, regardless of your role or the stage of the disease.”
The conference will kick off at 8 a.m. Continental breakfast and a full lunch are included, along with pertinent materials and access to local vendors. The day concludes by 4 p.m. A respite service will also be available for caregivers who cannot leave a loved one unattended. To make arrangements for the service, caregivers should call 1.800.272.3900 no later than April 11.
Registration for Symposium can be completed online at alz.org/WNY or over the phone during regular business hours at 1.800.272.3900. Early bird discounts are available until April 7.
