JACKSON – Health care practitioners, family members and students who work with those coping with Alzheimer’s disease and forms of dementia can take part in an annual conference that teaches strategies to improve brain health and promote successful aging.

Cher’s 1980s pop hit “If I Could Turn Back Time” is the theme of the Conference on Alzheimer’s and Other Dementias at the BancorpSouth Arena and Conference Center in Tupelo. Set for 8 a.m. Aug. 22 through noon Aug. 24, it’s hosted by The MIND (Memory Impairment and Neurodegenerative Dementia) Center at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

“This is a unique opportunity to leverage the brain trust of UMMC’s medical and clinical staff to bring comprehensive training to the professional and family caregivers of Mississippi to improve care for patients battling Alzheimer’s and other dementias,” said Denise Lafferty, The MIND Center’s chief of operations.  

The target audience includes nurses, nurse practitioners, social workers, physical, occupational and speech therapists, recreation therapists, nursing home administrators, family caregivers, seniors, students, and mental health providers. Attendees can earn up to 16.25 continuing education credits.

Among the speakers is Kim Campbell, wife of the legendary Glen Campbell, who lost his battle with Alzheimer’s in August 2017. Glen Campbell included a stop in Jackson, to benefit The MIND Center, as part of his farewell tour in 2012. Conference activities on Aug. 23 include a viewing of the Glen Campbell documentary “I’ll Be Me,” followed by a panel discussion with Kim Campbell and other care providers. Tax-deductible tickets are $10 and are available to the general public. Proceeds support The MIND Center’s Alzheimer’s research.

Conference sessions will focus on risk factors for cognitive decline and ways to improve brain health, including nutrition and exercise. Dr. Tom Mosley, UMMC Dudley and Robbie Hughes Distinguished MIND Center chair and director of The MIND Center, will present a comprehensive view of The MIND Center’s groundbreaking research focused on risk factors for Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Other topics will provide tools for family and professional caregivers to improve health care across the continuum. They include differentiating dementia types, current diagnosis and treatment recommendations, pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment of symptoms and behaviors, effective communication techniques, promoting mental health and addressing depression in older adults, genetic considerations for Alzheimer’s, and the stigma of Alzheimer’s.

Registration for continuing education applicants is $215. A discounted fee of $125 now through day-of conference is available for family caregivers, seniors age 60 and above, and students. Registration includes meals and a welcome reception Wednesday evening.

For more information or to register for the conference, visit umc.edu/alzconf. To reserve movie tickets, call (601) 815-4237 or email mindcenter@umc.edu