Participants will hear the latest in Alzheimer’s disease research, tips for caregivers at each stage of the disease and recommendations for managing dementia-related behaviors at SIU Medicine’s annual Memory Loss Conference for family, friends, care partners and persons with dementia. The free program will be held 8:30 am – 4:30 pm on Saturday, Nov. 18, at the Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., Springfield. The Neuroscience Institute’s Center for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders and the Alzheimer’s Association are presenting the public event, which is made possible through a grant from the Memorial Medical Center Foundation.

The day-long conference will begin with “Alzheimer’s Disease: Research Brings Hope!,” a presentation by Alzheimer’s Association Director of Science Initiatives Dean M. Hartley, PhD.  Other topics include:

·         Evidence-based interventions for people with dementia and their caregivers

·         Understanding and responding to dementia-related behaviors

·         Stages of Alzheimer’s disease: What to do and when

·         Basics of Alzheimer’s disease and current research opportunities at SIU Medicine

·         Minimizing the risk for Alzheimer’s disease

Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth leading cause of death in Illinois, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. More than 5 million Americans are living with the disease, and experts predict as many as 16 million will have the disease in 2050.

Light breakfast and lunch will be served. To register for the annual Memory Loss Conference, visit siumed.edu/cpd or contact Judy Harbison, 217-545-7711. To learn more about the topics or presenters, contact Greg Kyrouac at 217-545-7199.