Alzheimer's Disease, Dementias and Healthy Aging

September 2025 Newsletter

2nd Annual

VERMONT DEMENTIA &

BRAIN HEALTH SYMPOSIUM

Friday, November 7

8:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Waterbury State Office Complex

Cherry Conference Rooms

Join the Vermont Department of Health, Alzheimer's Association VT Chapter, DAIL, UVM Center on Aging and The Dementia Collaborative for the 2nd Annual Dementia & Brain Health Symposium. This year our keynote speaker is Dr. Dani Cabral Founder & Medical Director of BrainLove, a direct specialty care practice focused on resilient brain aging for those with dementia.

Morning Agenda (In-person or Livestream):

 8:30 – Registration & Networking

9:00 – Welcome

9:10 - Keynote address

10:45 – Dementia Care in a Rural & Aging State - Panel Discussion

11:55 – Guiding Themes and Morning Wrap-up

12Noon – 1  LUNCH – on your own (The Waterbury Complex has an onsite Café adjacent to the conference room)

Afternoon Agenda (In-person only):

1 - 3 p.m. Professional Development - Concurrent Sessions (open to all)

Cognitive Screenings and Pathways to Diagnosis and Care

Part 1: Current Landscape of Screening and Diagnosis

Part 2: RN-Led Medicare Annual Wellness Visits

From Triggers to Tools: Understanding and Managing Responsive Behaviors in Dementia - A Workshop for OT & Social Workers. (CEU’s Available)

Building Dementia-Capable Emergency Responders

Part 1: Recognition of Stroke Symptoms and How to B-E F-A-S-T! (CEU's available)

Part 2: Management of the Dementia Patient in the Pre-hospital Setting (CEU’s Available)

Register TODAY!

Keeping Your Mind Sharp: The Role of Learning in Aging Well

Wednesday, September 10

1:00pm - 2:00pm

Stowe Cinema 3Plex

454 Mountain Rd, Stowe

With Mary Val Palumbo, UVM Professor Emerita in Nursing and Gerontology, explore the powerful connection between lifelong learning and brain health. Examine how mental stimulation, learning new skills, and engaging in social activities support cognitive function and protect against age-related decline. Through interactive discussions and practical tips, gain strategies for weaving learning into daily life. Understand the science behind brain health and gain tools to take proactive steps toward maintaining a healthy aging brain. Program fee - $10.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month

Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, observed every September, is a time dedicated to increasing public knowledge of suicide prevention, promoting mental health and resources, and acknowledging Vermonters we have lost to suicide and those affected by that loss. Starting in late August, Vermonters will be supporting a wide range of different events and activities to promote suicide prevention awareness, and there will be many opportunities to get involved on the personal, professional, organizational or community level.

Walk With Ease

The Arthritis Foundation FREE Walk With Ease Self-Directed Program is a walking program that can reduce pain and improve overall health. If you can be on your feet for 10 minutes without increased pain, you can have success with Walk With Ease.

Fun & Easy 6-Week Walking Program Includes:

Walking Guidebook

Weekly call with a UVM student

Weekly educational email

REGISTER HERE: uvm.edu/osher/walk-ease

Hypertension & Dementia Risk

Hypertension, particularly midlife high blood pressure, is associated with a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia, including Alzheimer disease.

About 25% of Vermont adults have been diagnosed with hypertension. Managing blood pressure, especially during mid-life, is crucial not only for cardiovascular health but also as a powerful strategy to lower the long-term risk of vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Blood Pressure Monitors for Medicaid Members

The Vermont Department of Health is partnering with Department of Vermont Health Access on a campaign to promote the blood pressure monitor distribution distribution program. Home monitoring is important because it allows folks to track their blood pressure regularly, leading to better disease management and improved health outcomes.

If you’re a Medicaid member with high blood pressure you may qualify for a FREE at-home blood pressure monitor. 

1. Talk to your doctor or health care provider.
2. Ask for a prescription for a blood pressure monitor.
3. Pick it up at a participating pharmacy.

My Healthy Vermont offers free workshops that can help you learn the basics of controlling your high blood pressure through eating healthier, becoming more active, and more!

Equipping Community Health Workers to Address Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias in Their Communities.

An e-learning course designed for community health workers (also known as promotoras de salud, health promoters, community health advisors, or community health representatives), and those who serve in similar roles to strengthen their ability to support brain health and effectively address Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias in their communities.