Education
Knowledge really is power. At the KU ADRC, we offer a wide range of programs designed to inform, support, and empower our community.
As a community resource, the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center offers programs that empower care partners, health professionals, those experiencing cognitive change, and others interested in brain health. Our programs speak to the power of creating dementia-capable communities for all.
See below to learn about our virtual, hybrid, and in-person events. For specific questions or to inquire about a speaking engagement, contact our MyAlliance for Brain Health team at myalliance@kumc.edu.
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: 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.
Date: Coming in 2026
Format: Virtual Webinar
Cost: Free; however, preregistration is required.
Who Should Attend: Health care professionals and providers, 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.
HEALTH CARE PROFESSIONALS REGISTER HERE
Families, friends, and caregivers interested in attending may contact Jan Horn at jhorn2@kumc.edu or 913-703-7743 to register.
Coming soon in 2026