Fall 2025 Symposium - Friday, September 12th (Hybrid-In-Person at Barrow, and Virtual Via Zoom)
The Important Role of Accurate Diagnosis and Effective Treatment of Alzheimer's and Unlocking the Latest Advances in Research!
The Alzheimer's and Memory Disorders Outreach Program will host a hybrid (in-person and virtual via Zoom) symposium which focuses on proper diagnosis, treatment, and research.
Accurate and timely diagnosis and treatment of dementia are crucial for improving quality of life, facilitating future planning, and enabling access to necessary support services. While a cure is still needed, early intervention offers hope by managing symptoms and potentially slowing disease progression. Anna D. Burke, MD, will elaborate on the significance of proper diagnosis and treatment.
Alzheimer's research is essential for understanding this complex condition, leading to advancements in diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. This research enhances care for individuals and families, offering hope and improving overall quality of life for those affected. Marwan Sabbagh, MD, FAAN, will present the latest findings in Alzheimer's research and available study opportunities.
Symposium content is curated towards care partners.
Spring 2026 Symposium - March 27th (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 D. Burke, MD - Karsten Solheim for Dementia Research Chair, 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 content is curated towards 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 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.
Brain Health Workshops will be held by following members of the Alzheimer’s & Memory Disorders Program:
August 2025 - Physician TBD
October 2025 - Physician TBD
February 2026 - Physician TBD
May 2026 - Physician TBD
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.
