Spring 2026 Symposium - Friday, March 27  (Hybrid-In-Person at Barrow and virtual via Zoom)

"The Role of a Neuropsychological Consultation/Examination in Persons Suspected of Cognitive Decline," Presented by: George P. Prigatano Ph.D. Emeritus Chairman of Clinical Neuropsychology

A Neuropsychological Consultation and Examination can help provide objective information regarding a person's cognitive status to aid with their diagnosis and clinical management. This presentation will describe what is involved when conducting this examination and how the information potentially can be useful to the referring physician, the patient themselves and their family members. The examination combines objective information about the person's functional capacities and integrates that information with what the person subjectively experiences to achieve the goals of diagnosis and clinical management. 

"Understanding the Challenges of Dementia: The Crucial Role of Effective Communication in Managing Difficult Behaviors," Presented by: Anna Burke, MD - Karsten Solheim Chair of Dementia, Director of Neuropsychiatry, Barrow Neurological Institute

Effective communication is essential in dementia care, preserving dignity and minimizing frustration. Open, compassionate communication enables caregivers to better understand and address individual needs and preferences, leading to improved care. This approach fosters a sense of being heard and connected for the person with dementia, thereby reducing frustration and anxiety.

Symposium is catered toward care partners.

Brain Health Workshop and Community Memory Screening Opportunity

A team of leading experts in brain health and memory disorders conducts this program. It aims to educate community members on lifestyle habits, informed by the latest research, that promote brain health and healthy aging. Participants will receive direct instruction from physicians within Barrow's Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Program regarding typical age-related changes in memory and brain function, distinguishing these from symptoms potentially indicative of a cognitive or memory disorder. In addition to the workshop presentation, attendees will have opportunities for questions and to schedule a confidential, 30-minute memory screening with a Barrow Neurological Institute team member.

*The memory screening consists of a series of questions that evaluate memory and other thinking skills. Memory screening are intended for information purposes only, and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All results will remain confidential, and will not be available after the conclusion of each session.

Brain Health Workshops will be held by following members of the Alzheimer's & Memory Disorders Program on the following dates:

August 2025, October 2025, February 2025, and May 2026

Multicultural Programs

In-Person Spanish Brain Health Workshop/Memory Screenings ($500 per workshop)

Hosted entirely in Spanish, this program aims to educate community members on lifestyle habits, informed by the latest research, that promote brain health and healthy aging. Participants will learn about typical age-related changes in memory and brain function, distinguishing these from symptoms potentially indicative of a cognitive or memory disorder. In addition to the workshop presentation, attendees will have opportunities for questions and to schedule a confidential, 30-minute memory screening with a Spanish-speaking Barrow Neurological Institute team member.

*The memory screening consists of a series of questions that evaluate memory and other thinking skills. Memory screenings are intended for informational purposes only, and are not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All results will remain confidential, and will not be available after the conclusion of each session.

In-Person Spanish Care Planning Forum

This hybrid event, conducted entirely in Spanish, will offer a multidisciplinary panel of Spanish-speaking experts. Panel members will answer questions on topics such as care planning, aging, advanced directives, and available community resources. Attendees will gain practical knowledge and receive tailored resource information relevant to Spanish-speaking communities. A resource fair will also allow attendees to connect with local community partners and learn about available support services. This event is open to all Spanish-speaking community members, and is not limited to dementia-related topics.