The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will host a free virtual Alzheimer’s educational conference for North Dakota residents from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, as part of its 2021 national Educating America Tour. The conference, which is free and open to everyone, will allow participants to learn from and ask questions of health, caregiving and legal experts. To register, go to www.alzfdn.org/tour .
“Connecting families with useful, practical information and support that can help them now and be better prepared for the future is what this conference is all about," said Charles J. Fuschillo Jr., AFA president and CEO. "Whether Alzheimer’s is affecting your family, you are a caregiver or just want to learn more, you can participate in this free virtual conference from the comfort of your home or office.”
Dr. Mehmet Oz, host of "The Dr. Oz Show," will be a guest speaker and share his family’s personal Alzheimer’s story regarding the diagnosis of his mother, Suna Oz. Dr. Mehmet Oz will describe how the diagnosis impacted his family, as well as share tips to promote good brain health and healthy aging.
Sessions during the AFA virtual conference will include:
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- Say Hello to BrainGuide – Many dementia cases go undetected, and when they are diagnosed, a lot of families do not know where to turn for information or to find resources available to them. Brooks Kenny, executive director of WomenAgainstAlzheimer’s, the women’s network at UsAgainstAlzheimer’s and general manager for BrainGuide, the organization’s new initiative, will discuss this first-of-its-kind brain health resource, focusing on bringing state-of-the-art technology to consumers across the country who are worried about their own or a loved one’s brain health. BrainGuide includes a confidential memory questionnaire and a series of tailored educational materials. She will review the initiative and talk about how it builds on key scientific advances in risk reduction, greater understanding of the importance of brain health and increased public awareness.
- Estate Planning After a Dementia Diagnosis – Having the necessary legal documents in place is vital when a family is confronted with a dementia diagnosis. Susan E. Johnson-Drenth, certified elder law attorney in North Dakota, chair of the Elder Law Section of the State Bar Association of North Dakota, and founder of JD Legal Planning P.L.L.C., will discuss the importance of planning ahead and the benefits of Powers of Attorney and Health Care Directives to protect your assets. She will also advise attendees on how to title their real estate holdings and other accounts to avoid a court probate upon death.
- Take Care of You: How to Care for Yourself While Caring for Others – It is essential for caregivers to maintain their own health and avoid caregiver burnout so that they can provide the best possible care for their loved ones. Melody Vachal is the CEO/founder of RISE UP Care and Wellness, director of Aging Services for Arise Cares and a Masters Certified health coach. She has also been a caregiver who understands the emotional and practical details of caregiving. Vachal will discuss the impact of caregiving on self, family and career. She will provide guidance to help caregivers develop the skills needed to practice self-care while caring for others. She will offer strategies to help improve the quality of life for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their caregivers.
For more information or to register, go to www.alzfdn.org/tour . Those who can’t participate in the virtual conference or have immediate questions about Alzheimer’s disease can connect with licensed social workers seven days a week through AFA’s National Toll-Free Helpline by calling 866-232-8484 or web chatting at www.alzfdn.org by clicking the blue and white chat icon in the right-hand corner of the page. The webchat feature is available in more than 90 languages.
