Free Virtual Series Includes Early Dementia Diagnosis Benefits, Addressing Dementia Stigma and Cultivating Hope and Resilience

A dedicated group of retired physicians living with various types of dementia are flipping the script to change the way we approach dementia care.  A group of retired physicians will host the National Council of Dementia Mind (NCDM) series of free virtual webinars that include the benefits of an early dementia diagnosis, the view of dementia as a death sentence and cultivating hope and resilience together.

 “As retired physicians, educators and advocates, we will address the view of dementia as a death sentence and the stigma associated with dementia within the healthcare profession,” said retired neurologist, Dr. Sara Langer, who was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia prior to the age of 65.

The webinars are relevant and beneficial for a wide range of attendees, including current and future healthcare professionals, faculty of medical schools and allied health professions, persons living with dementia, care partners, family members, friends, service providers and insurance companies.

The webinars begin Thursday, October 19 and run through November 16, at 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. EST (12:00 pm CT, 11:00 am MT, 10:00 am PT). The weekly virtual webinars are listed below.

• Prescription for Change – October 19
• Discussions with Your Doctor – October 26
• Benefits of an Early Diagnosis – November 2
• How to Deliver a Dementia Diagnosis – November 9
• Characterizing Adult Neurocognitive Diseases and Adapting Care to Enhance Quality of Life – November 16

“Doctors living with dementia represent retired physicians who are determined to improve how the medical profession interacts with patients facing cognitive change,” Brenda Roberts, executive director of National Council of Dementia Minds said. “This webinar series will help persons living with dementia learn about the vital role of self-advocacy and the power of support systems in navigating this journey. This series will enhance our understanding of cognitive impairment, improve communication and care skills, and be a part of a collaborative and compassionate approach to supporting persons living with dementia.” 

The retired physicians participating in the webinar series are:

• Dr. Sara Langer, Minnesota neurologist diagnosed with diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia (LBD)in 2018.
• Dr. David Compton, Tennessee family practice physician diagnosed with MCI Alzheimer's Disease in 2015.
• Dr. David Wright, Michigan family practice physician diagnosed with MCI LBD in 2022.
• Dr. Gary Schmidt, Wisconsin family practice physician diagnosed with LBD in 2020.
• Dr. Thomas Mahoney, New York, primary care physician diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease in 2020.
• Dr. Arnold Beresh, lives in Michigan and was a Podiatric Foot & Ankle Surgeon when he was diagnosed with MCI FTD in 2015.
• Dr. Seth Stern, Georgian OB/GYN who was diagnosed with FTD in 2022.

About National Council of Dementia Minds (NCDM)

A nonprofit national organization originated in Michigan, NCDM dispels many of the myths about living with dementia and provides strategies, hope, and resources to live well with dementia.

55 million people live with dementia worldwide, and there are 10 million new cases every year. Every three seconds, a person is diagnosed with dementia. In addition, more people are getting diagnosed with dementia at an earlier age and still have plenty of life to live.

WSJ story on Dementia Minds: Their Dementia Diagnosis Doesn’t Mean They’re Keeping Silent

For Information on the National Council of Dementia Minds, please visit: https://dementiaminds.org/

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