Please join the Northern Virginia Dementia Care Consortium for the 34th Annual Caregivers Conference: Grow with the Flow! This year, the conference will be held virtually, spread out over a week of fantastic presentations. Join us for free!

If you've attended the conference in the past, you know what an educational and inspirational event it can be. And if you've never been to the Northern Virginia Dementia Caregiver's Conference, please come join us - we know you'll be glad you came. The conference features an array of presentations for family caregivers and for professionals.

Conference Schedule:

Day One | Monday, November 9
Connected Caring: Optimizing Engagement and Well-Being
Various Activity and Recreation Professionals
Activity programming experts from across the region will share ideas and strategies on how to stay engaged and connected with loved ones through various mental and physical activities at home. This session will also focus on the importance of self-care and provide strategies and tips for keeping yourself grounded and well during challenging times.

Day Two | Tuesday, November 10
Caregiving Lessons: Learning, Coping, and Surviving
Former Wisconsin Gov. Martin J. Schreiber, author, My Two Elaines: Learning, Coping, and Surviving as an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
Marty Schreiber, former governor of Wisconsin, has seen his beloved wife, Elaine, gradually transform from the woman who had gracefully entertained in the executive residence to one who sometimes does not recognize him as her husband. Marty candidly counsels those taking on this caregiving role, and offers sage advice that respects the one with Alzheimer’s while maintaining the caregiver’s health. As two-thirds of those with Alzheimer’s are women, he offers special guidance for men who are thrust into an unexpected role. With patience, adaptability, and even a sense of humor, Marty shows how love continues for his “Second Elaine.”

Advancing the Science: Alzheimer’s and Dementia Research
Ana Nelson, Vice President of Programs & Services, Alzheimer’s Association National Capital Area Chapter
Ana Nelson will give an overview of the Alzheimer’s disease landscape in the United States. As the sixth leading cause of death, we need more research to find a way to prevent the disease. Ana will also highlight tools that are being created for early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and other related disorders. She will cover some of the latest advancements in clinical trials, treatments and lifestyle interventions currently under investigation. Ana will highlight some of the many memorable takeaways from the 2020 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference. The AAIC conference is the world’s largest international gathering of researchers focused entirely on Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

Day Three | Wednesday, November 11
If Not Alzheimer’s Disease, What Is It? Getting a Diagnosis and Care
Chiadi U. Onyike, M.B.B.S., M.D., Director, Frontotemporal Dementia and Young-Onset Dementias Program, Co-Director, Lewy Body Disease Research Center of Excellence, Associate Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins Medicine
Dr. Chiadi Onyike aims to increase awareness of frontotemporal dementia and young-onset—often wrongly diagnosed as Alzheimer’s. Up to 20 percent of middle-aged patients who seek help have some form of frontotemporal dementia (FTD). FTD covers up to seven fatal diseases all marked by dementia and atrophy of the brain’s frontal and/or anterior temporal lobes. The illness can affect behavior by causing what Dr. Onyike calls “a history of social miscues and misdemeanors.” For instance, “Uncle George” wanting to wear sweatpants to work seems odd, but his rude remarks, repeated hair-combing and overblown jolliness may cross a line.

Day Four | Thursday, November 12
Caregiving at a Glance: Hints, Tips, and Aha’s
Brigid Reynolds, RN, MSN, NP, Georgetown Memory Disorders Program
Carol Blackwell, Memory Café 4U
Lindsey Vajpeyi, Insight Memory Care Center
The Caregiving at a Glance guidebook compiles helpful hints and “aha’s” we have heard from families at Insight Memory Care Center. While each individual’s dementia journey is unique, using these techniques can empower you as a caregiver. Hear from a panel of experts as they share helpful hints and “aha’s,” including communication tips, safety precautions, activities, routines and how to take care of yourself as a caregiver. Let us help you gain confidence and ease the burden as you walk alongside your loved one on their dementia journey.

Day Five | Friday, November 13
The Presence of Mind to Grow with the Flow: Making the Most of Every Situation
Ron Culberson, MSW, CSP, CPAE, Speaker, Author, and Humorist
We spend the bulk of our lives in our heads rather than immersed in each moment. Focusing on the reality in front of us we are better able to respond appropriately. This funny presentation will show participants how to make the most of each situation to be more fulfilled, connect with others more effectively, and make life and work more enjoyable.