Networking, Learning Opportunities at Alzheimer's Association South Jersey Dementia Conference

PHILADELPHIA - May 18, 2018 - PRLog -- The Annual South Jersey Dementia Conference returns for 2018, Monday, June 11 at the Crowne Plaza, 2349 Marlton Pike West in Cherry Hill, NJ. As many as 350 caregivers are expected to attend the educational conference for a day of learning about caring for, and communicating with people who are affected by Alzheimer's from experts in the dementia care field. Topics will include Behavioral Management, Dementia Friendly Communities, Ethics, Living Well with Alzheimer's Disease, research, and more. The conference, presented by the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter, will take place from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

"Our conference is an opportunity for caregivers and health professionals alike to come together for a day of education, networking, and information," said Kristina Prendergast, the chapter's manager conference and program outreach. "Every year we provide a variety of national, local, and regional experts to come and speak at the conference or present at some of the workshops, which we believe fosters a true educational experience."

This year's keynote speaker is Steven R. Sabat, PhD. Sabat is an author and Professor Emeritus of Psychology at Georgetown University, whose research has focused on the still intact social and cognitive abilities of people with mid to late stage Alzheimer's, the subjective experience of dealing with the disease, as well as how communication between caregivers and the person with dementia can be improved.

Other featured speakers include: Sandy Markwood, MA, CEO of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and the Co-chair of Dementia Friendly America; Robert Nagele, Ph.D., researcher and Professor of Medicine at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine; and Kelly O'Shea Carney, Ph.D., ABPP, CMC and geropsychologist.

Exhibits, registration/check-in and a continental breakfast will take place from 8 to 8:45 a.m. followed by the conference at 9 a.m., when attendees can participate in various specialized, interactive workshops to customize their learning experiences with dementia care experts.

"As many as 85,000 people are affected by Alzheimer's or another dementia in South Jersey," said Prendergast. "Across the country, nearly 60 percent of dementia caregivers rate their emotional stress as high or very high. So we believe dementia caregivers will find the conference helpful and they will be able use what they've learned once they return home."

Online pre-registration is available until Friday June 1 at http://act.alz.org/site/PageNavigator/SouthJerseyConferen...; however, in-person registration will be available on the day of the event. Other ways to pre-register are by postal mail or telephone. More information about registering for the conference, details about continuing education units and sponsorship opportunities are available at the Alzheimer's Association Helpline, 800.272.3900 or by emailing Kristina Prendergast at kprendergast@alz.org.

About Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's is a degenerative brain disease that affects memory, thinking ability, perception, and sometimes behavior. It is the nation's sixth-leading cause of death and the only one of the top 10 that has no cure, treatment or prevention. It affects 5.7 million people nationwide, including approximately 200,000 younger than 65—some as young as 30, who are living with younger-onset Alzheimer's.

About the Alzheimer's Association Delaware Valley Chapter

The Alzheimer's Association^® is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer's care, support and research. The Delaware Valley Chapter, headquartered in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, is the local arm of the national organization. The Chapter has Regional and Branch Offices that serve Delaware, South Jersey, and Southeastern Pennsylvania, providing programs and services to more than 294,000 individuals with Alzheimer's disease or a related disorder. More information is available by calling the 24/7 Helpline at 800.272.3900 or at http://alz.org/delval.