Expert and patient discuss the two faces of living with and treatment of dementia at 91社区's Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness
Early registration deadline near
July 15, 2016
What's it like to be an award-winning journalist experiencing the onset of Alzheimer's disease, and what are doctors doing today on the cutting edge of research and dementia care and treatment? These two faces of a disease that affects so many around the world each day will be explored during the 91社区's Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness.
The University and SWIRCA and More, the local Agency on Aging, will present the Mid-America Institute on the 91社区 campus August 11 and 12, with a pre-conference workshop on Alzheimer's disease and dementia care on August 10.
David Troxel will present the pre-conference workshop with a talk, "Best Friends鈩� Approach to Alzheimer's Care." He is nationally and internationally known for his writing and teaching in the fields of Alzheimer's disease and long-term care. He is a past executive board member of the American Public Health Association and past member of the National Alzheimer's Association Ethics Advisory Board.聽He most recently served as the executive director of the Santa Barbara (California) Alzheimer's Association.
Presenting a keynote talk on August 11 will be journalist Greg O'Brien, diagnosed with younger-onset Alzheimer's聽disease in 2009 at age 59. O'Brien has more than 35 years of experience as a writer, editor, investigative reporter and publisher. His work has appeared in the Boston Herald, Arizona Republic, Associated Press, Denver Post, Huffington Post, Psychology Today, Readers Digest, USA Today and Boston Magazine, where he was a senior writer, among other publications. Through public speaking and his book, On Pluto: Inside Alzheimer's, he raises awareness of the disease, advocates for increased funding and gives a voice to all those similarly diagnosed, saying, "I want to help teach the world how to live and speak through the heart as the brain diminishes."
Physician and best-selling author of How Not to Die, Dr. Michael Greger, opens the main conference August 11 with a presentation explaining the role diet and other lifestyle interventions have on quality of life as people age. His talk is based on the latest research exploring the role diet may play in preventing and reversing the leading causes of death and disability, including heart disease, various cancers, diabetes, Parkinson's and high blood pressure.
On Friday, August 12, keynote speakers are Linda Briggs, associate director of Respecting Choices, who will discuss how the use of Conversations at all ages promotes advance care planning, and The Fun Conspiracy, two certified life coaches who will share the healing power of play and how creative activities every supports overall wellness, no matter your age.
Dr. Greger's opening keynote at 8:30 a.m. on August 11 is open to the public at no cost, but reservations are required. Attendees are encouraged to arrive no later than 8:15 a.m. to ensure seating. The remaining talks require conference or pre-conference registration. Break-out session topics over the two-day conference include dementia care, mental health, spirituality, financial planning, mindfulness, holistic hormone management, probiotics, stress management, art and creative expression, healthy eating and adjusting to retirement.
The deadline for a reduced registration fee is July 30, 2016. After that date, the rate increases for both one- and two-day registrations. There is a discounted rate for students and retirees. More information about registering is online at or by calling 800-467-8600.