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.
A Film Presented by KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center
BEING PROACTIVE: Managing Alzheimer’s Risk in Individuals with Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities (IDD) For families and professionals that support someone with IDD, exploring risk factors, ways to monitor for cognitive changes, and ways to support.
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: 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: 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: Individuals within the Black community
Benefit: Empower the Black community with evidence-based health education, resources, and opportunities to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases
The KU ADC has cultivated relationships with local churches and organizations to enhance awareness around dementia in the Black community using the culturally-tailored curriculum Aging With Grace. Aging With Grace focuses on enhancing knowledge about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease through topics that include social engagement, exercise, nutrition, and brain health opportunities.
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: 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.