Education
Knowledge really is power. The more you know about brain health, dementia and Alzheimer’s, the better. Explore the vast programming the KU ADRC offers—there's something for everyone in our diverse community.
As a community resource, the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center offers programs that empower, answer questions, and provide tools for care partners and health professionals. Our programs speak to the power of creating dementia-capable communities for all. If you don’t see a program that fits your needs here, please contact Kelly G. Loeb at kglmsw@kumc.edu.
Read more about the individual opportunities below or download the education calendar for an overview with dates and registration details.
Who should attend: Anyone curious about dementia. This powerful film tackles the challenges of recognizing early cognitive changes while promoting a hopeful and empowered path forward
Benefits: The documentary confronts the stigma surrounding dementia diagnoses, advocating for essential education and support and delivers a message of hope for those impacted with dementia.
Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in healthy lifestyle habits that can reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease
Benefit: The LEAP! program translates the latest Alzheimer's disease (AD) prevention research into actionable recommendations for everyday life. We explore key lifestyle factors that can reduce your risk for developing AD, including exercise, nutrition, sleep health, social engagement, cognitive engagement, and more. You’ll learn realistic, practical strategies for a brain-healthy lifestyle in our interactive online courses. For more information, click here.
Who Should Attend: Aging with Grace is designed for older Black Americans who are interested in enhancing their brain and body health. This program is especially beneficial for:
- Individuals concerned about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias: Gain insights into prevention and management tailored to the unique experiences of Black communities.
- Family members and caregivers: Learn how to support loved ones and foster healthier lifestyles within the family.
- Community leaders and advocates: Engage with strategies that uplift the community and address health disparities.
- Anyone seeking cultural connections: Discover how to integrate healthful practices with cherished traditions, promoting a holistic approach to well-being.
Benefits:
- Reclaim Their Health: Equip themselves with knowledge and tools to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and enhance overall wellness.
- Strengthen Community Bonds: Build connections with others, fostering a supportive network dedicated to shared health goals.
- Honor Cultural Heritage: Engage in activities that celebrate and respect cultural traditions while promoting brain-healthy practices.
- Contribute to Research: Play a vital role in advancing community-centered research that focuses on improving brain health for future generations.
Join us in creating a legacy of health, resilience, and empowerment for the entire community!
For more information, contact Dr. Ashley Shaw at ashaw10@kumc.edu.
Quién Debe Asistir: Latinos interesados en aprender sobre investigación y prevención
Benefit: Obtenga el conocimiento necesario para actuar
La memoria importa. ¿Quiere información sobre el Alzheimer, presentada en español? No problema. El KU ADC está feliz de presenter “ Envejecimiento Digno” a los latinos en toda Kansas City.
Para obtener más informacián, comuníquese con Dr. Jaime Perales en jperales@kumc.edu
Who should attend: Families and professionals that support someone with IDD, exploring risk factors, ways to monitor for cognitive changes, and ways to support.
Benefit: BEING PROACTIVE focuses on Managing Alzheimer’s Risk in Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD)
This program is offered on demand.
REGISTRATION LINK FOR FAMILIES
REGISTRATION LINK FOR PRofessionals
For more information contact Kelly G. Loeb at kglmsw@kumc.edu.
Who Should Attend: Caregivers and direct care providers
Benefit: Receive a tremendous amount of useful information in short, topic-specific sessions throughout a single day
Demands on caregivers can be intense. The Dementia Training Room allows busy caregivers to quickly access a wide variety of information on topics as varied as:
- oral care,
- managing meals,
- the art of redirection,
- communication strategies,
- reducing stress,
- improving sleep,
- the disease process in the Alzheimer’s brain
- and the fundamentals of palliative care.
For more information contact Kelly G. Loeb at kglmsw@kumc.edu.
Who Should Attend: Students and others interested in hearing directly from patients
Benefit: Gain insights from people experiencing MCI or early Alzheimer’s
Experience League is a group of empowered individuals who have been diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), early-stage Alzheimer’s disease or another dementia and have volunteered to share their experience with high school and college-level classes and community groups. These volunteer speakers share the belief that open conversation about cognitive changes can make a positive difference.
These one-hour panel presentations are conducted virtually.
If you are interested in volunteering to be part of the Experience League or would like to request a presentation, contact Michelle Niedens at cniedens2@kumc.edu or 913.945.7310.
Who Should Attend: Anyone interested in learning about brain health, dementia, Alzheimer’s, caregiving and creating dementia-friendly communities
Benefit: Knowledge is power
The expert team at the KU ADC provides engaging, informative educational programming to community groups on a wide variety of topics, including:
- disease overview,
- risk reduction and prevention strategies,
- mild cognitive impairment and early Alzheimer’s disease,
- becoming a resilient caregiver,
- building dementia-friendly communities
- and helping children understand Alzheimer’s.
If there’s another topic you’d like addressed, please contact Michelle Niedens at cniedens2@kumc.edu.
Who Should Attend: Family and friends of individuals who have been diagnosed with FTD
Benefit: Receive the knowledge and resources you need to be supportive
For more information contact Kelly G. Loeb at kglmsw@kumc.edu.
Who Should Attend: Family and friends of individuals who have been diagnosed with a dementia.
Benefit: Receive the knowledge and resources you need to be supportive
We will address ways families can support a person diagnosed with a dementia, and caregiver resilience factors.
This program is offered in April, June, and September in various rural Kansas locations. For more information contact Jan Horn at jhorn2@kumc.edu.
Who Should Attend: Families, friends, and community members
The documentary, SPARK: Robin Williams and His Battle with Lewy Body Dementia, will be included in this education program on recognizing, living with, and supporting others who have Lewy Body Dementia.
For more information contact Kelly G. Loeb at kglmsw@kumc.edu.