You are invited to the 2025 Brain Aging Conference - Professionals Day, which will provide the latest information on research, treatment, care and increased quality of life for persons with dementia.

Join us Friday, April 11, 2025 at the Memorial Learning Center in Springfield. From information about atypical dementia, new therapies, how to leverage technology, palliative care, and more, these presentations are designed to help bolster your treatment and care for those with dementia and their caregivers.

This conference is approved for a maximum of 7 AMA PRA Category 1 credits. Credit information for healthcare professionals is detailed in the conference agenda through the link below.

Agenda

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Session I: Atypical Dementia

Jennifer Arnold, MD, PhD  Assistant Professor of Neurology, Dale and Deborah Smith Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment, SIU School of Medicine

 

Session II: Intimacy Unforgotten: Navigating Dementia and Sexual Well-Being

Kaylie Caswell WHNP-BC, CSC  Certified Nurse Practitioner & Certified Sexuality Counselor, Obstetrics and Gynecology, SIU School of Medicine

 

Session III: Palliative Care

Jacob Varney, MD  Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine, SIU School of Medicine, Medical Director of Memorial Home Hospice

 

Session IV: Dementia and Loneliness: Our Role in Making a Difference

Susan Frick, MSW, LSW  Social Worker, Education and Recruitment Coordinator, Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center

 

Session V: Health Disparities in Dementia

Joyce E. Balls-Berry, PhD, MPE  Associate Professor of Neurology, Inaugural Lead of Health Disparities and Equity Core, Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Washington University in St. Louis

 

Session VI: Newer Medications for the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia

J. Mark Ruscin, PharmD, FCCP, BCPS  Professor, Department of Pharmacy Practice, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy

 

Session VII: Leveraging Technology for Dementia Care

Cindy Womack, DNP, FNP-BC, CNRN  Certified Nurse Practitioner, Department of Neurology, Smith Alzheimer’s Center, SIU School of Medicine

 

Session VIII: IATP and Assistive Technology Opportunities in Dementia Care

Anna Miller, OTR/L, ATS, CAPS  Occupational Therapist, Illinois Assistive Technology Program