The Banner Alzheimer’s Institute Native American outreach program will host its 19th annual conference on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia in Native Americans on October 30. The event is scheduled to take place from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Little America Hotel’s Grand Ballrooms in Flagstaff.
The conference aims to support families, professional caregivers, health care and human service providers, educators, and tribal leaders by providing information on how dementia affects tribal communities. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, one in five Native American adults aged 45 and older reports experiencing memory or thinking problems that could be early signs of dementia. Research indicates that Native Americans are more likely than White individuals to develop Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.
“This gathering is an opportunity to share knowledge, resources, and hope with those who are walking the dementia journey in Native communities,” said Lori Nisson, family and community services director for Banner Alzheimer’s Institute. “By working together, we can honor traditions, strengthen caregiving, and ensure that families have the culturally meaningful support they need.”
Topics covered during the conference will include understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia within tribal communities, caregiver experiences and self-care strategies, effective communication with people living with dementia, and recent research updates.
A pre-conference intensive session for professionals serving tribal community members affected by dementia is planned for October 29 at the same location.
Each event has a registration fee of $30. Those interested can register by calling 602-230-2273 (CARE) or visiting bannerhealth.com/AlzNativeAmericanConference for the main conference or bannerhealth.com/AlzNativeAmericanPreConference for the pre-conference session.
Since its founding in 2006, Banner Alzheimer’s Institute has focused on finding effective prevention therapies for Alzheimer’s disease while developing new models of care for patients and caregivers. The institute has contributed significantly to early detection and diagnosis of Alzheimer’s through research studies, clinical trials, comprehensive service programs, brain imaging research initiatives, and partnerships with public and private organizations globally. More information about their work can be found at www.BannerHealth.com/Alzheimers.
