17th Annual Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease is August 16 in Natchez
17th Annual Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease is August 16 in Natchez
The Department of Mental Health is announcing the 17th Annual Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Psychiatric Disorders in Older Adults, scheduled for August 17-19 in Natchez.
The purpose of the 17th Annual Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Psychiatric Disorders in Older Adults is to inform, educate and train all who are involved in the care of persons with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia and psychiatric disorders. For the second year in a row, there will also be a pre-conference intensive held on August 16, the day before the conference begins in full. Both the pre-conference intensive and the conference will be held at the Natchez Convention Center.
“This conference provides a unique forum for professional interactions, networking, and one-on-one contact to discuss issues and ask those important questions to some of the state’s leaders in the field of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia,” said Kathy Van Cleave, Director of the Division of Alzheimer’s at the Department of Mental Health.
“I am excited about the speakers we have lined up for this year. They have a wealth of knowledge, both personal and professional, in this field. I know everyone who joins us will learn a lot from the presentations we have scheduled.”
The Pre-Conference Intensive is a half-day format designed primarily for professionals working in direct care with people who have Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Topics will include improving communication, enhancing listening skills, and understanding challenging behaviors while improving quality of life for persons with dementia and caregivers.
The keynote speaker for this event is Karen Stobbe, who has worked with persons with dementia for the past 20 years, including as a caregiver of both parents who had/have Alzheimer’s disease. She has contributed to the development of several different curricula and training programs related to Alzheimer’s disease.
She will also be a keynote speaker at the conference itself, along with Kent Dean, Linda Gholston and Heather Palmer.
Kent Dean is a True Colors Licensed Facilitator and a Personality Lingo Master Trainer. He has presented personality concepts to thousands of individuals over the past 17 years. He has applied the training in diverse industries, including advertising, healthcare, education, food services, government, athletics, engineering, construction, financial services and entertainment.
Linda Gholston is the President and Administrator of Sanctuary Hospice. She has been working in healthcare for 35 years, focusing on team building, leadership issues and customer service. She brings a wealth of wisdom to the field of hospice care. Heather Palmer is the Community Educator/Marketer for Sanctuary Hospice. She has 20 years of experience in the field and has received many awards for her achievements.
In addition to the keynote speakers, experts from around the state will present breakout sessions covering a variety of topics.
Complete registration and agenda information for both the pre-conference intensive and the 17th Annual Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease and Psychiatric Disorders in Older Adults is available online at www.dmh.ms.gov/alzheimersconference.
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DMH is supporting a better tomorrow by making a difference in the lives of Mississippians with mental illness, substance use disorders and intellectual or developmental disabilities one person at a time.