A nationally known expert on aging and memory loss will be in Park Rapids to present an all-day workshop on Friday, Oct. 6.
The event will be held from 7:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at Faithbridge Church. It’s free for family caregivers caring for a family member with dementia who call Living at Home of the Park Rapids Area (LAH) at 218-732-3137 to register as a guest
The presenter will be Dr. Terry Barclay who practices at Health Partners in the Twin Cities.
“We are very fortunate to have Dr. Barclay here in Park Rapids,” LAH Executive Director Connie Carmichael said. “I’ve heard him speak and he’s very relatable. He’s a neurologist, but is very down to earth and talks in terms anyone can understand. The biggest takeaway for caregivers will be learning why it matters to get a diagnosis for the family member with memory loss. Dr. Barclay will also talk about how to live well with memory loss and top strategies to support brain health to optimize quality of life. For caregivers, going to this conference is a huge opportunity to network with people who are walking on a similar journey, and there will be plenty of time built into the day for questions from the audience.”
The cost for others attending the conference is $20, including lunch. Continuing education units are also available.
“We can keep that fee so low because of our sponsors,” Carmichael said. “If we didn’t have the great sponsors we have it would cost $60 to $100 per person.”
Registrations may also be made online at
chisjh.org/special-events/dementia-conference-2023
.
Sessions include the following:
1. The aging brain: Normal aging, Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia
2. It’s not always Alzheimer’s: Symptoms, treatment and care for Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia
3. Alzheimer’s Research update: new discoveries and treatments
4. Ask the expert: Open Q&A
Lunch break
1. Dispelling common myths: Old wives’ tales and wishful thinking
2. How we diagnose dementia: Why it matters and how it’s done
3. Living well with memory loss: Top strategies to support brain health and optimize quality of life 4. Ask the expert: Open Q&A
Another resource for those with memory loss and their caregivers begins Thursday, Oct. 12 with “An Afternoon Out.”
Music and other fun activities will be featured Thursdays from 1-2:30 p.m. at Riverside United Methodist Church in Park Rapids. Call the LAH office to register or if respite care is needed during the event.
Lorie Skarpness has lived in the Park Rapids area since 1997 and has been writing for the Park Rapids Enterprise since 2017. She enjoys writing features about the people and wildlife who call the north woods home.
