Dementia Friendly Tempe invites public to the second Community Summit on April 1
Insights from a leading researcher on Alzheimer’s disease and the opportunity to take part in a prevention study are the highlights of Dementia Friendly Tempe’s second community summit, Saturday, April 1, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the community commons building, Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine, 2140 E. Broadway Road.
Dr. Bill Burke, MD, from the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute will speak to the new strategies employed to fight Alzheimer’s disease and about how summit attendees can opt to join the GeneMatch prevention study undertaken by the institute.
Also, Mayor Mark Mitchell will recap what has happened since the 2016 summit. “Dementia Friendly Tempe has had a great year of growth in the year since our first community summit. We are especially gratified by the popularity of the programs initiated by community input,” said Mitchell. “At this summit, we are opening up the world of Alzheimer’s research for those who want to learn about this important topic and help make Tempe more dementia friendly.”
You can help find an end to Alzheimer’s disease with a simple cheek swab
GeneMatch is a national program led by the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute that recruits participants for Alzheimer’s prevention studies using genetic testing (through free cheek swab kits) to match volunteers with research opportunities. GeneMatch advances Alzheimer’s research by helping scientists find enough qualified participants to launch new studies. You must be between the ages of 55 to 75 with normal memory and thinking abilities to participate.
Banner Alzheimer’s Institute will be offering GeneMatch swabbing sessions at the community summit. Clinical Trials staff will be on hand from noon to 1 p.m. to help you complete the on-line registration process and to assist you with swabbing.
Parallel program for people with memory loss
People living with memory loss can participate in an alternative activities program while their caregiver attends the summit. To take part in that group, please call to register at 602-839-6850 (Monday – Friday).
Dementia Friendly Tempe began in 2016 to make the city a livable place for people with Alzheimer’s and dementia-related diseases; it is part of the Dementia Friendly America network.
For DFT program information or to register on-line for the summit, go to www.tempe.gov/dft; or register by calling 602-839-6850 (Monday – Friday).