12th Annual McGinty Memorial Conference on Alzheimer’s Disease: “Every Step of the Way”
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Embassy Suites Hotel Washington Square
9000 SW Washington Square Road - Tigard, Oregon
About the Conference
The McGinty Memorial Conference on Alzheimer’s disease honors Dean McGinty, MD, a Portland geriatrician, early advocate for the special needs of persons with dementia and a pioneer in the Alzheimer family support movement. Since Dr. McGinty’s unexpected death in 1995, the Oregon Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association has honored Dr. McGinty with an educational conference dedicated to the principles he practiced throughout his career: providing high-quality, compassionate and family-centered care. This year’s conference theme is “Every Step of the Way” The interactive sessions, motivating speakers, and innovative ideas will focus on the many facets of Alzheimer’s disease, caregiving, research, communication, life-enhancing activities, and person-centered care. Participants will gain valuable insight into Alzheimer’s disease as well as learn practical solutions and strategies on how to enhance the lives of people with dementia and their caregivers and families.
Conference Schedule
| 7:30 - 8:30 am | Registration & Continental Breakfast |
| 8:30 - 8:45 am | Welcome: Judy McKellar, Executive Director |
| 8:45 - 9:45 am | Teepa Snow, MS, OTR/L, FAOTA – Why Do They Do That? Teepa Snow, nationally recognized Alzheimer’s expert and educator will guide us through understanding both the symptoms and behaviors of Alzheimer’s. From language to movement and sensation to impulse control she’ll help demystify behaviors and provide effective solutions for future interactions. |
| 9:45 - 10:15 am | Early Stage Conversation – In Their Own Words Persons with Alzheimer’s and their CarePartners No one understands the journey of Alzheimer’s better than those who are living it. Hear firsthand the struggles, set-backs and moments of pure joy from our early stage participants and their care partners. This conversation will provide an intimate look at the challenges and rewards of living with Alzheimer’s. |
| 10:15 - 10:30 am | Morning Break |
| 10:30 - Noon | Session A Workshops |
| Noon - 1:00pm | Lunch |
| 1:00 – 2:30 pm | Session B Workshops |
| 2:30 – 2:45 pm | Afternoon Break |
| 2:45 – 4:15 pm | Session C Workshops |
| 4:15 pm | Conference Concludes |
Speaker Roster
| Roger Anunsen | Co-Founder of mindRAMP & Associates, Creator of MemAerobics |
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Joyce Beedle |
Training consultant and author of "The Carebook" |
| Sharon Evers MA, ATR |
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Pat Gillette |
Nationally recognized speaker on Alzheimer’s disease and treatment |
| Dean Shrock Ph.D |
Author of "Doctors Orders: Go Fishing" and "Why Love Heals" |
| Teepa Snow MS, OTR/L, FAOTA |
National Dementia Care & Training Specialist |
| Michael Villanueva Phy.D |
Practices Neuropsychology and Clinical Psychology in Medford, Oregon |
| Liz von Wellsheim MA, MSN, GNP |
Medical Director/Owner of ElderHealth & Living |
| Jodi Winnwalker LCSW, MT-BC |
CEO of Earthtones Music Therapy Services, LLC and Weaver’s Tale Retreats, Inc. |
Session A Descriptions
A1. Facing Tomorrow One Step at a Time - Mike Villanueva, Phy.D
Managing Alzheimer’s disease is a team effort, with each member having an important role to play. Dr. Villanueva will explore goal setting, working together, and the benefits of working as a team. He’ll also introduce the AGE method: Anticipate, Generate, and Evaluate. Through setting goals and staying focused on appropriate outcomes you’ll learn how to manage Alzheimer’s effectively and compassionately.
A2. How to Find Peace of Mind When You Think You’re Losing It - Dean Shrock, Ph.D
Can you imagine going to the doctor, and the doctor writing a prescription to go fishing, take a bath, or whatever else brought you great joy? That's what Dr. Shrock did with his cancer patients. And not only did they love it, but they were living much longer than those receiving only conventional medical treatments. Discover how to create a higher quality of life, where well-being becomes part of the prognosis for patients and their caregivers.
A3. Intimacy, Sexuality and Dementia - Liz von Wellsheim, MA, MSN, GNP
Interpreting and understanding the language and gestures of love and sexuality remains one of the many challenges faced by families and caregivers. People with dementia experience changes in cognition and judgment that may result in behaviors that are difficult to manage. Liz von Wellsheim will explain the meaning of these behaviors, how to respond appropriately, and strategies for maintaining self-esteem and a positive relationship through it all.
Session B Descriptions
B1. Demystifying Resistance and Refusals – Teepa Snow MS, OTR/L, FAOTA
One of the most common challenges faced by caregivers of people living with dementia is identified as resistance to care efforts. What we think of as resistance is actually a person trying to ‘protect themselves’ or simply not understanding what the caregiver is trying to do. Teepa Snow will help you understand causes for problematic behavior and how to build new levels of personal awareness to promote successful interactions and reduce refusals by focusing on connecting versus accomplishing tasks.
B2. Beyond Bingo – Activities that Enhance Quality of Life - Sharon Evers, MA, ATR
You have it in you—you can foster creativity in someone with Alzheimer’s. Recent studies have shown there are numerous benefits in engaging people with Alzheimer’s in creative expression. The good news is you don’t need an art degree or specialized products to get started. Come explore how common household items can be used to encourage creativity and enhance quality of life.
B3. Last Steps in the Journey - Pat Gillette, MD, PC
Dr.Gillette will walk you through his cocoon theory as the body prepares itself for the final stages of life. Understanding what happens during the end stages of Alzheimer’s—the behaviors, medications, grief and loss, and role of families and caregivers will ease worries and fears and help you plan for the end stages of life.
Session C Descriptions
C1. Be in the Moment Every Step of the Way - Jodi Winnwalker, LCSW, MT-BC and professional team of Earthtones Music Therapy Services, LLC and Weaver’s Tale Retreats, Inc.Massage and soothing music can promote a relaxed state so we can think more clearly and plan the steps ahead. Dance enables us to take steps in a coordinated way. Lively music can activate us so we have energy to move ahead. Join the professional team of Earthtones Music Therapy Services and Weaver's Tale Retreat Center, to connect with ourselves, our inner resources, and each other through song, musical instruments, movement, and nature.
C2. Jump Start Your Brain - Roger Anunsen, mindRAMP & Associates
Are you ready to create a personal brain wellness action plan? You might be after this interactive session. Roger Anunsen will share recent evidence-based advances in brain science and identify the protective factors and the risk factors that affect brain health. From foods that re-ignite the taste buds to scents that trigger memories and new research confirming the brain’s potential for enduring growth, creativity, and intellectual enhancement, this memorable workshop is sure to leave your brain stimulated.
C3. Caregiver Questions and Answers - Joyce Beedle, RN, BSN
What’s on your mind? Bring your concerns, questions and challenges to this highly interactive session. Joyce Beedle will combine the creative and compassionate input of the participants with her expertise to come up with ideas to help you, and the unique person you care about, in whatever your caregiving situation.
