.jpg)
The Community Wellness Center will host an Alzheimer’s and dementia conference from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 9.
The event, hosted by Columbus Community Hospital and partially funded by the Texas A&M University Naresh K. Vashisht College of Rural Medicine, is designed to provide support, education and resources for local families, caregivers and community members affected by dementia-related conditions.
Colorado County has one of the oldest populations in Texas, with approximately 24% of residents aged 65 and older, nearly double the state average.
Tonja Moon, a dementia practitioner and founder of The Grand Baby Project, said dementia affects entire families and communities.
“A commonly cited estimate is that every person living with dementia directly impacts at least three to five additional individuals,” Moon said. “I see this in my work with families, in our dementia support groups and in our senior care communities. A dementia diagnosis reaches far beyond the individual.”
The conference will feature presentations from three guest speakers specializing in elder care and cognitive health: • Brenda Anderson of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
• Tonja Moon, founder of The Grand Baby Project
• Amanda Bailey, owner of The Memory Care Connection Topics will include understanding Alzheimer’s disease, managing the daily challenges of dementia, available local support resources and therapeutic approaches to patient care.
“We developed the conference to be impactful, engaging and realistic, so people leave with information and resources that make life with dementia easier right now,” Moon said.
Attendees also will have the opportunity to participate in “The Ruby Experience,” a sensory dementia simulation presented by The Grand Baby Project. The hands-on demonstration is intended to help participants better understand the physical and emotional challenges faced by individuals living with dementia.
A complimentary lunch sponsored by Encompass Health Rehabilitation will be served following the presentations.
The conference is free and open to the public.
Organizers said the event is intended for family caregivers, healthcare professionals and anyone interested in learning more about supporting those affected by Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
