Online Dementia-Related Social Opportunities

New List Available

Call to Action:

Support the Dementia Service Specialist Bill!

Virtual 6-Week Program for People Living with Dementia

DEER Dementia Self-Management: Living Well

Our colleagues at Dementia Friendly Nevada, in collaboration with the Dementia Engagement, Education, and Research (DEER) Program, are offering a Dementia Self-Management Program!

This free, virtual program invites individuals living with dementia—anywhere in the U.S.—to connect and explore the Dementia Self-Management Guidebook over six consecutive weeks. Each participant will receive a hard copy of the guidebook.

Designed specifically for those living with mild to moderate dementia or those who suspect they may have dementia, this program is based on evidence-based principles of chronic disease self-management.

Want to participate? Email DEERprogram@unr.edu or call (775) 682-9444!

Last month, the Meskwaki Senior Services invited our team to offer Dementia Friendly Organization trainings to their tribal government staff & several community members. Sessions were held at the Meskwaki Bingo Casino Event Center. Representatives from their law enforcement, schools, facility services, dental clinic, medical clinic, and more were present. Over two days, nearly 100 people attended and became Dementia Friends! Congratulations and thank you, Meskwaki Nation!

Are you interested in hosting a Dementia Friends session or Dementia Friendly Business training with your group or business? Email mzimmerman@nei3a.org or visit our website.

Become a Dementia Friends Champion Volunteer!

Upcoming Virtual Champion Trainings Available

Want to make a difference in your community? Join us as a Champion!

A Champion Volunteer attends a two-hour training to be able to present Dementia Friends information sessions to the public and Dementia Friendly Business Trainings to local businesses & organizations. Champion Volunteers are asked to present at least two sessions per year.

The upcoming trainings will be offered:

1) Tuesday, March 25 (9-11am) via Zoom

2) Monday, March 31 (2-4pm) via Zoom

3) Thursday, April 24 (11am-1pm) via Zoom

4) Monday, May 19 (2-4pm) via Zoom

Questions? Email Megan at mzimmerman@nei3a.org or call 319-287-1182. Register for free here.

One goal this year is to identify Champions in counties with little to no volunteer coverage. The following counties are not yet fully covered by a Champion: Appanoose, Boone, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Cedar, Dickinson, Greene, Hamilton, Lyon, Madison, O' Brien, Osceola, Pocahontas, Van Buren, Washington, Winnebago, & Worth

✨Iowa Dementia Resource Spotlight✨

 Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia

The Chris & Suzy DeWolf Family Innovation Center for Aging & Dementia is transforming the way we think about aging and dementia. Located in Cedar Rapids, the Center is dedicated to breaking down stigma and stereotypes related to aging and dementia, while providing innovative services and education to help individuals live well with chronic conditions, including dementia. The Center provides the following services:

• Center for Memory Health to assess cognitive changes.
• Family Caregivers Center to provide connections to resources and support family caregivers. 
• Community Connections to actively engage people living with early stage dementia that provides a respite for their caregivers.
• Age & Dementia Friendly Smart Showroom & Kiosks to offer interactive experiences with assistive technology to help people age in place more comfortably.

The Center’s unique connection to Hallmar Village sets it apart as a national leader in dementia innovation. Beyond its core services, the Innovation Center is also a key driver in the Dementia Friendly Linn County effort which includes hosting engaging events like last June’s Parking Lot Party and ongoing educational programs aimed at reducing stigma and increasing awareness about dementia.

Learn more about the DeWolf Innovation Center on their website or contact 319-784-9200 to get connected.

Typical Aging vs. Dementia

How to Tell the Difference

As we age, some cognitive changes are typical. However, dementia involves more serious changes that affect daily life and progress over time. Below is a comparison of some of the signs of typical aging versus potential signs of dementia.

What do you do if you notice signs of dementia in yourself or someone else?

If you or a loved one are concerned about signs of dementia, the first step towards getting a diagnosis is by talking to a primary care provider. Many doctors will perform a cognitive screening. Keep in mind, the Medicare Annual Wellness visit may include a free cognitive assessment. This assessment is non-invasive and can provide a baseline to assess for change over time with your cognitive functioning. Depending on the results, the doctor may diagnose or make a referral to a neurologist for further testing.

If you or someone you know is living with dementia, there is support available! Call your local area agency on aging at 866.468.7887 to learn more about supports in Iowa. In addition, we've developed a free Dementia Resource Guide full of topic-by-topic information on navigating dementia.

Upcoming Webinars - Alzheimer's Association

Monthly Virtual Series