McHenry County Aging and Dementia Symposium

6.0 Dementia will be awarded at the end of the symposium.

AGENDA
7:15 AM to 8:00 AM - Registration & Breakfast
8:00 AM to 8:15 AM - Welcome & Introductions
8:15 AM to 4:00 PM - Presentations
12:15 PM to 1:15 PM - Lunch & Raffles

PRESENTATION SCHEDULE

8:15-9:45 AM

Rachelle Blough, Owner of Rachelle Blough LTD

Best Practices and Innovation in Dementia Care (1.5 CE)

Millions of people are living with dementia, and research is continuing to evolve, looking for new ways to slow the progression or address symptoms of dementia. Discover the latest innovations in the care of people living with dementia. 

10:00-11:00 AM

Dr. Krushen Pillay, Chief Medical Officer, Bespoke Psychiatry

When Dementia Changes More Than Memory: Understanding the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (1.0 CE)

Most people think of dementia as a disease of memory. In long-term care, the far bigger challenge is behavior: wandering, aggression, resistance to care, sundowning, and repeated questions that wear down staff and families alike. This session reframes behavior as communication rather than a problem to eliminate, and gives attendees a simple bedside framework for responding in the moment. Using real composite cases, we'll cover common behavioral symptoms, common mistakes caregivers make in response, practical non-pharmacologic interventions, and clear criteria for when psychiatric evaluation and medication are genuinely warranted. 

11:15-12:15 PM

Aileen Zei, Program Manager, Alzheimer's Association, Illinois Chapter

Building Brain-Healthy Habits (1.0 CE)

This program provides research-backed guidance on brain health and the importance of taking action to protect your brain at every age. Participants will gain resources and tools – including a personalized action plan – to help build brain-healthy habits into daily life. Key takeaways include healthy habits for your brain, like exercising and eating right, the brain-heart connection, and why brain health is important at all ages.

1:15-2:45 PM

Jacqueline Boyd, CEO, The Care Plan

Inclusive Dementia Care: Supporting Black, Latine`, and LGBTQ+ Clients (1.5 CE)

Every new client presents unique challenges and opportunities. When supporting Black, Latine`, and  LGBTQ+ communities, providers are often seeking culturally affirming resources and knowledge of best practices to effectively serve these populations. This presentation will offer insights and skill-building to learn how to develop trust, communicate clearly, and transcend cultural differences in order to achieve client goals.

3:00-4:00 PM

Dr. Amarish  Dave', Neurologist, Mercy Health 

Why Falls Happen and How to Reduce Fall Frequency for Patients with Dementia (1.0 CE)

Falls are one of the leading causes of injuries among older adults. While frequent, falls are not an inevitable part of aging, even for older adults with dementia. This presentation will share a mechanism-based framework for preventing falls among patients with dementia.