Caldwell University will host a free conference for caregivers of people with Alzheimer’s disease and intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) on Thursday, March 31 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the University’s Student Center Gym. Nursing students in the university’s Community/Public Health Clinical course will help run the event.
The conference will include an overview of Alzheimer’s disease in the I/DD population, how to design a comprehensive plan, and a review of community resources. Speakers will be Seth Keller, MD, Neurology Associates of South Jersey and co-president of the National Task Group; Ellen Nalven, executive director of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of New Jersey (PLAN/NJ); and Leone Murphy, administrator for the statewide Clinical Outreach Program for the Elderly (S-COPE) for Trinitas Regional Medical Center.
“Studies have shown that individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, particularly those with Down syndrome, are at increased risk of dementia,” said Diane Silbernagel, executive director of HomeCare Options, one of the conference sponsors. “Average dementia onset may be as much as 10 years prior to that experienced by the general population. That’s why it’s so important for caregivers to have the people they care for regularly screened for dementia and to be proactive in addressing any issues.”
This conference is a collaboration between HomeCare Options, Alzheimer New Jersey®, and Caldwell University, School of Nursing and Public Health. It is supported in part by a grant from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative, Department of Health and Human Services.
Pre-registration is required. Register online here or call 888-280-6055.
