Buffalo conference to focus on living well with dementia

An educational conference for those living with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or the early stages of dementia is being planned for Aug. 24 in Buffalo.

The Alzheimer’s Association Western New York is organizing the free half-day “Living Well with Dementia” conference intended to provide education and support for those living with a dementia diagnosis and their care partners. The Rev. Dr. Cynthia Huling Hummel of Elmira is the keynote speaker.

She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2016, and has served on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Advisory Council on Alzheimer’s Research, Care and Services, the Alzheimer’s Association Early-Stage Advisory Group. Huling Hummel has written about her experience living with dementia in the book “Unmasking Alzheimer’s: The Memories Behind the Masks.”

“I look forward to meeting my fellow advocates at the conference in Buffalo,” Huling Hummel said. “We have so much to share with one another and with the community about living well with dementia. Together, we can increase awareness, reduce stigma and share our strategies. In helping others, we help ourselves and move from: ‘Why Me?’ to ‘What's Next?’ ”

The conference is free, but seating is limited. Those interested in attending must call the WNY Chapter at 716-626-0600, ext. 313, to discuss whether the conference is appropriate and beneficial, and to register.

Currently 5.8 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias, including more than 400,000 across New York. Alzheimer’s disease is the sixth-leading cause of death in the U.S. and, right now, cannot be prevented, slowed or cured.

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. It is the largest nonprofit funder of Alzheimer’s research. The association’s mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health.

The local chapter provides programs, services and other resources for those living with dementia, their care partners, health care professionals and others across eight counties: Allegany, Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming.
Learn more by calling 716-626-0600 during traditional business hours, or 24/7 at 800-272-3900 or www.alz.org/WNY.