Wisconsin State Conference

REGISTRATION IS OPEN. CLICK HERE.

We're excited to announce the Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin Chapter State Conference on May 5-6, 2025. We hope you'll join us at the Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells, this year on a Monday and Tuesday.

Held annually, the Wisconsin State Conference attracts hundreds of professional and family care providers and is one of the largest and most comprehensive statewide conferences dedicated to Alzheimer's and dementia.

Download our conference flyer.

Conference agenda

Click here to view your workshop options.

Keynote Sessions

Monday, May 5

9 - 10 a.m. Panel Discussion - 45 Years of Alzheimer’s and Related Dementia Work in WI
Piero G. Antuono, MD
Michelle Braun, PhD
Christopher Koeppl, MD
Moderator: Becky Reichelt

Join an esteemed panel of leading doctors and researchers as they reflect on 45 years of progress in Alzheimer's and dementia research. This discussion will explore past breakthroughs, the current state of treatment and care, and the promising future of research and innovation. Gain valuable insights into how far we’ve come, the challenges we still face, and the hope that lies ahead in the fight against this disease.

12 - 1 p.m. Exploring the Intersection of Hearing Loss, Alzheimer's, and Social Isolation

Katy Hagmeyer, LCSW, MSW, MsEd, Deaf Inspire

The complex relationships between Hearing loss, Alzheimer's, and social isolation present unique challenges and opportunities for intervention in aging populations. Hearing loss has been linked to cognitive decline, with emerging research suggesting it may exacerbate Alzheimer's progression by accelerating social withdrawal and isolation. This presentation delves into the intersection of these factors, highlighting how hearing loss can lead to reduced social engagement, potentially heightening Alzheimer's symptoms and impacting overall well-being. We will discuss the implications for cognitive health and suggest approaches for clinicians, caregivers, and policymakers to mitigate these effects. By addressing these interconnected issues, we aim to emphasize the importance of culturally and linguistically accessible services and treatment for hearing loss as a pathway to improve quality of life and cognitive resilience in individuals at risk for or affected by Alzheimers.

Tuesday, May 6

8:30 - 9:30 a.m. Nutrition for Optimal Brain Health
Barbie Boules, RDN, The Cognition Dietician

This keynote explores how the MIND diet – an eating pattern designed for cognitive health – can improve brain power today, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in the future. Participants will also learn how to prepare a nutrient-dense, well-balanced food that’s quick, delicious, and packed with brain-nourishing ingredients. Leave feeling empowered to make eating for brain health simple, tasty, and enjoyable.

12 - 2 p.m. Putting Alzheimer's in Remission? We are almost there!
Robert J. Przybelski MD, MS

This presentation will cover the biomarkers available to accurately diagnose Alzheimer's disease (AD), optimizing patients to get the most benefit from the disease-modifying therapies, new treatments coming to potentially stop AD progression, vaccine development that could prevent AD, how we could "rebuild" the brain of patients in remission, and the what the clinicians must have to realize the benefits of these advances.

Continuing education credits (CEUs / CEHs)

The full conference (if you attend all sessions both days) is approved for 9 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs) or 0.9 Continuing Education Units (CEUs) by the University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point (UWSP) continuing education department.

Participants must attend the full sessions for the entire conference to get full credit of 9 CEHs / 0.9 CEUs.

Monday = 5.0 CEH / 0.5 CEU
Tuesday = 4.0 CEH / 0.4 CEU

Here are a few important details:

The CE credit request form will be an online form that we send you AFTER the conference to complete.
You'll have a 30-day window from the last day of the conference to complete this application. After 30 days, you'll no longer be able to complete the CEH / CEU application.
Each participant must be individually registered to qualify.
Attendance is mandatory - you must attend all your selected workshops and keynotes to receive credit. Attendance in the sessions will be recorded and submitted to the UWSP Continuing Education department by the Alzheimer's Association.
Each registered attendee must complete a separate online form with a $30 processing fee to UWSP to get CEU or CEH credits. Cost of credits is not included in the conference admission price.
It's the individual's responsibility to report CEHs/CEUs earned to their appropriate credential or licensing board.
After payment has been received, it will take approximately 3-4 weeks to process the request and send the CEH/CEU certificate.

Certificate of attendance

If you only need a certificate of attendance, this will be provided to all registrants after the conference. This certificate does not qualify for continuing education.

Caregiving award winners

Courage Award - Larry T. Squiers
This award recognizes individuals living with memory loss who are role models for others through exemplifying support, education, advocacy, and facing challenges.

Larry has demonstrated remarkable courage and strength in navigating the challenges of living with a major neurocognitive disorder. His journey has provided invaluable lessons in vulnerability and resilience, shaping how others offer support in profound ways. He has not only learned to cope with cognitive changes but has also processed and accepted them as part of his life story. Continuously adapting to changes in memory, thinking, and behavior, Larry's strength shines through his struggles. Every interaction with him reveals his ability to navigate these challenges with grace, transforming his personal experience into a force for awareness and change. Through his openness, he has helped inform research, improve care, and empower others facing similar diagnoses. His willingness to share his story serves as a model of self-determination through the ever-changing journey of dementia.

By sharing his lived experiences, Larry articulates what it feels like to live with atypical dementia. His diagnosis has evolved over time, changing three times before specialists ultimately identified Lewy body dementia. Through community gatherings, donor events, and large-scale research discussions, he works to break stigma and reshape conversations about dementia, advocating for meaningful support. His poetry serves as a creative outlet, fostering connections through a local social program. In donor spaces, his eloquent storytelling has forged relationships that help fund the Association's mission. By sharing his experiences with researchers, he contributes to advancements in care, treatment and clinical practices.

Larry's public storytelling began in 2020 when his wife, Karen, spoke at the Alzheimer's Association Gala in Milwaukee, sharing their experience as care partners. That same year, Larry contributed in a unique way, donating handcrafted coffee scoops as auction items—symbolizing both strength and vulnerability. In 2021, he and Karen participated in a video presentation, highlighting the Association's impact on their lives. For several years, he continued to donate handcrafted items, ultimately raising over $4,000 in support of the Association's mission. Through his generosity, advocacy, and willingness to share his journey, Larry has left an enduring impact on dementia awareness, research, and support.

Family Caregiving Award - Steve J. Stern
Recognizes an individual or family who embodies the courage to face the challenges of caregiving, the compassion to ensure dignity for their loved one, and the wisdom to reach out for support.

Steve utilizes his wife Florencia's strengths to support her daily routine, incorporating activities such as using music (song, dance, rhythm, therapy) for pleasure and cogition, creating team-based word-game fun for socializing, drawing cat-woman art to express ideas and emotion, and training others in her care. He has written a guide detailing her preferences, personality, and routines to share with caregivers, ensuring consistency in her care. He actively seeks guidance and support, always prioritizing her needs. Even when facing his own medical concerns, he ensures Florencia is well cared for before tending to his own health.

Since Florencia's recent transition to memory care, Steve spends hours with her each day, collaborating with staff and family members to maintain her routine and, most importantly, bring joy to her day. His involvement has extended beyond Florencia, engaging other residents in musical and cognitive activities that have enriched their lives.

The Alzheimer's Association has been a valuable resource for Steve. He has dedicated time to researching and educating himself on how to best support Florencia, including utilizing the Association's website. He has also attended support groups in the past, further strengthening his ability to provide compassionate and informed care for his wife.

Professional Award - Sharon R. Jordan
Recognizes individuals who bring to his/her profession a dedication that serves as a model to others in this field. Includes nursing assistants, home care workers, nurses, therapists, administrators, clergy, social workers, and other related disciplines.

Sharon's dedication to improving the lives of those affected by Alzheimer's and other dementia serves as an inspiration to others in her field of Community Engagement. A passionate advocate and innovator, she has worked with multiple organizations, including the Alzheimer's Association in five states, driving positive change and advancing care for individuals living with dementia.

Currently, Sharon collaborates with various Senior and Memory Care communities to create meaningful connections between Direct Supply employee partners and memory care residents, enhancing their support and quality of life. Her commitment extends beyond her professional work—she is a tireless champion for caregivers, offering guidance and advocacy to those caring for loved ones with dementia. Her mission is deeply personal, shaped by the experience of watching both of her parents suffer from the disease.

Through her leadership, innovation, and dedication, Sharon exemplifies what it means to be a true leader. Her ability to inspire others, foster meaningful connections, and drive positive change makes a lasting impact on those she works with and the broader community.

Care & Support Volunteer Award - Julie Roznowski-Olson
Recognizes individuals who...

Board On Aging & Long-Term Care (BOALTC) Award - Ed Bauer
Recognizes individuals who...

Ed Bauer began volunteering with the Board On Aging and Long-Term Care as a Volunteer Ombudsman in October 2022, driven by a commitment to advocating for nursing home residents. He initially focused on one facility, but his passion for the mission led him to extend his service to a second nursing home, supporting residents across two counties. Despite the significant time commitment, Ed remains steadfast in his dedication, visiting both facilities regularly to connect with and support the residents. Ed lives in Rhinelander, Wisconsin.

Ed's kindness, empathy, and genuine approach to building relationships have made a lasting impact on the residents he meets. His ability to truly listen and engage with each person fosters trust and communication, ensuring that every resident feels heard and valued. As Ed reflects on his work, he shares, "The really great part is that in seeing them weekly, in many cases, I may be the only visitor they have outside of staff, and thus friendships arise that are truly heartwarming. I have been truly blessed in my life, and this allows me to give to others in return for what I have received. Always giving generously of yourself to others is the most rewarding thing one can ever do in your lifetime."

The Board On Aging and Long-Term Care is proud to name Ed Bauer as the 2025 Louise Abrahams Yaffee Volunteer Ombudsman Award.

Hotel reservations

Reserve your room at the Kalahari Resort by April 4, 2025 at 5 p.m. CST. You can do so by visiting this link or by calling 1-877-525-2427 and referencing the Alzheimer's Association Wisconsin State Conference.

Rates for the evenings of Sunday-Tuesday, May 4-6, 2025:

Single occupancy: $98/night
Double/triple/quadruple occupancy: $139/night

Limited edition t-shirts

Deadline to order is Sunday, April 20. T-shirts must be ordered in advance, when you register for the conference. They will not be sold during the conference.

Sponsorships

If your business/organization would like to lend support to the conference, please see our sponsorship opportunities. To reserve your sponsorhip, email Kennedy Turner at kennedy@blueprinteventsllc.com.

Make 2x the Impact to Fight Alzheimer's