What You Need to Know About Alzheimer's and Dementia: Myths, Facts and Health Risks (1 CM)

"The relevance of this webinar presentation was 100% for myself who is currently dealing with an elderly parent in this category and trying to help multiple siblings understand what is going on." - Julie Moore

"Dealing with family who have Alzheimer's, it helped to understand what is going on and what are some things that can be expected." - Nancy M.

"Very easy to understand. Gave me a different perspective such as meeting the patient where they are at not where you are." - Joyce S.

"This was one of the best webinars AHDI has ever put on. The speaker was exceptional and the information was relevant and presented well.  Incredible." - Ann H.

"This was a delightful and informative presentation. So much good information and the presentation was flawless." - Sonya Moody

Title: What You Need to Know About Alzheimer's and Dementia: Myths, Facts and Health Risks

Presenter: Joy Spahn, MPA

Credit: 1 Clinical Medicine

Session Description: Over 6 million people in the United States are living with dementia. When most people think of someone with dementia, they see them as quite cognitively impaired and requiring a significant amount of care and assistance. The truth is that it can take up to 20 years for a person to reach that level of impairment. This session will help attendees have a more accurate understanding of dementia, risk factors for developing dementia, myths related to dementia, and steps that can be taken to help reduce the risk of developing dementia. This presentation is appropriate for all audiences, even people living with dementia.

Bio: Joy Spahn has a bachelor's degree from Grand Valley State University and a master’s degree in public administration in health care from Western Michigan University. She retired in 2020 after serving 14 years as the West Michigan Regional Director for the Alzheimer's Association Greater Michigan Chapter. In addition to her administrative responsibilities, she frequently provided dementia education to care partners, persons living with dementia, and professional care staff in long-term care facilities, assisted living, adult day centers, and senior volunteers in the West Michigan area. She has presented twice at the American Society on Aging Conference and twice at the Grand Valley University Issues on Aging Conference in addition to other state and local conferences. Before joining the Alzheimer’s Association in 2006, her experiences included directing two research-based memory care centers, Clinical Director for outpatient services for older adults with chronic mental illness and dementia, and Director of a local adult day center. She is a past Chair of the Michigan Adult Day Services Association and chaired the Association's only training program for Adult Day Program Assistants. Her volunteer work includes Advisory Board Member for the Michigan State University Center for Contextual Factors in Alzheimer’s Disease for the Latino community, Advisory Board Member for Grand Rapids Senior Neighbors, AARP volunteer, Co-facilitator for Dementia Minds support group for persons living with dementia, Master trainer for the International Dementia Friends program, Co-founder of the West Michigan Men’s Shed and recipient of 16 over 60 award for community leadership and grandmother to three amazing grandchildren.

Recording Origination Date: February 15, 2024