Virtual dementia conference draws nearly 600 participants

Nearly 600 people tuned into the Meeting of the Minds Dementia Conference, a free four-day series of webinars on dementia-related topics held from June 15-18

The conference featured award-winning actor and director David Hyde Pierce, who is a Celebrity Champion for the Alzheimer’s Association. Pierce has a personal connection to the cause, having lost his grandfather and his dad to Alzheimer’s and dementia. On Tuesday, June 16, he shared his experiences over the past 25 years as an advocate and national spokesperson for the Alzheimer’s Association.

Dr. Tia Powell, Director of the Montefiore-Einstein Center for Bioethics and author of “Dementia Reimagined” was the keynote speaker on Thursday, June 18. She spoke about the need for change in how people perceive those with dementia, noting that it is possible to have quality of life with the disease and that this should be the focus in care planning.

Sessions were also held on paying for long-term care; making connections through the end of life; living with uncertain grief, Alzheimer’s care options, a session held in Spanish and much more.

Videos of the sessions are accessible along with presentation materials from the conference at AlzDementiaConference.org.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York including Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster and Westchester. To learn more about programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia.Visit alz.org