The Alzheimer’s Association® is hosting several virtual events, alongside other organizations, in April and May. Don’t miss your chance to join these learning opportunities to better understand grief and reflections in healing, Alzheimer’s disease in Native populations and advance care and legal planning. Details below.
The Daily Work of Grief: Reflections and Healing 
Care partners going through the journey of caring for someone with dementia often experience different kinds of grief and loss. Many people may not be aware that there is a name for what they are feeling and that there are strategies to help cope with these feelings. Join this healing discussion with real-world examples and practical techniques to navigate the complicated emotions of grief and loss. Access the Daily Work of Grief Flyer.
Friday, April 26, 2024 | 10:00 – 11:30 a.m. CST
Presenters:
Alyssa Aguirre, LCSW-S
Assistant Director of Dementia Care Transformation at
Department of Neurology University of Texas Dell Medical School
Mary Heil
Alzheimer’s Association MN-ND
Community Educator and Social Work Intern
Understanding Alzheimer’s in Native Populations
Indigenous communities experience Alzheimer’s and dementia at a significantly higher rate than White Americans. This virtual, no-cost presentation explores dementia care in American Indian communities, stressing the importance of integrating cultural and spiritual practices into sensitive care. Participants will also gain insights into the significance of research and culturally appropriate dementia assessment tools, which could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses and improved care. 
Friday, April 26, 2024 | 12:00 PM CST
Presenters:
Melissa Blind, PhD
Senior Research Associate, Memory Keepers
Medical Discovery Team – Health Equity
Richard Wright, LADC, CI
Indian Health Board
Navigating the Unknown: Advance Care & Legal Planning for People with Dementia
As more people experience memory loss, planning before someone becomes affected by memory loss and decision-making capacity is critical. In this no-cost presentation, participants will learn about advance care planning and the importance of having conversations now. By taking action, individuals can communicate their preferences for care and express who they may want to provide support as their needs change. This session will explore legal planning, palliative care, hospice, and POLST (portable medical orders).
Tuesday, May 7, 2024 | 1:00 – 3:30 PM CST
Presenters:
Nancy Joyner, MS, CNS-BC, APRN, ACHPN
Palliative Care Clinical Nurse Specialist
Nurse Consultant/Patient Advocate
Kelly Swenseth
Swenseth Law Office, PLLC
VANESSA HOINES
Program Manager
Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota-North Dakota
The Alzheimer’s Association® is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Our mission is to lead 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. Our vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementias.
