Free memory screenings, support for families at huge Alzheimer’s conference coming to Atlanta soon

The Alzheimer's Foundation of America's (AFA) will host a large free conference next month to offer support, resources and information for people with Alzheimer's disease, their family members and others interested in learning more about the disease.

Dr. Allan Levey, director of the Goizueta Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, will talk about the latest research into the disease. CONTRIBUTED

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The conference will be held from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 2. at The Carter Center at 453 Freedom Parkway.

The event is free and open to the public. AFA requests attendees register in advance, but it’s not required.

For more information or to register, go to the Alzheimer's Foundation.

Caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia can be draining. Photo Credit: Bita Honarvar/AJC

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The conference is designed to connect people with information about Alzheimer’s disease, brain health, healthy aging and caregiving, as well as to give people a place to have their questions answered. Those who attend the conference will hear from leading dementia and caregiving experts who will share insight into the latest research. They will also get information about long-term care options and ways to improve the quality of life for those with Alzheimer’s disease.

Free, confidential memory screenings will be conducted throughout the day.  The screenings can help determine whether a thorough evaluation for Alzheimer’s may be needed.

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“Knowledge is a powerful tool. We want to equip as many people as possible with important information that will help them,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA’s President and Chief Executive Officer in a press release.

With more than 140,000 Georgians living the disease, and many more serving as caregivers, Fuschillo said, “we aim to help individuals understand Alzheimer’s disease and improve their quality of life through education and empowerment.”

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The keynote speaker will be Dr. Allan Levey, director of the Emory Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, and Professor and Chairman of Emory University’s Department of Neurology. Levey will provide an update on Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials, and what we can expect on the horizon.

There will also will be a panel discussion on long-term care strategies and options. The conference will conclude with a presentation by Brian LeBlanc, who has young-onset Alzheimer’s disease, in a session titled, “I have Alzheimer’s But it Doesn’t Have Me.”

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