The journey from symptoms to diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer’s can be overwhelming for families, caregivers, and those directly affected.
Understanding the illness, managing family dynamics, and figuring out the best path forward often make people uncertain and scared.
The Kensington Sierra Madre is dedicated to providing resources, care, and community to help navigate this challenging road.
That’s the goal of our upcoming event, Care. Cure. Prevent., a virtual panel discussion of crucial brain health education, including the care, cure, and prevention of Alzheimer’s disease.
RSVP today to join us for our watch party and in-person webinar screening!
Our promise is to love and care for your family as we do our own.
Care. Cure. Prevent: A virtual event for our community
Care. Cure. Prevent. will take place on Nov. 14, virtually, at The Kensington Sierra Madre.
This panel discussion will be led by Lauren Miller Rogan, co-founder of Hilarity for Charity (HFC), and feature leading experts in the field of dementia and Alzheimer’s research, including esteemed speakers:
- Dr. Irina Anna Skylar-Scott: Board-certified, fellowship-trained Cognitive and Behavioral Neurologist and Clinical Assistant Professor at Stanford University.
- Dr. Travis Urban: Cognitive Neurologist and the Associate Director of the Ray Dolby Brain Health Center.
- Dr. Sarah Kremen: Behavioral neurologist and the Director of the Neurobehavior Program at the Jona Goldrich Center for Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders at Cedar-Sinai Medical Center.
- Dr. Leila Parand: Assistant Clinical Professor of Neurology at the Mary S. Easton Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Care at the University of California, Los Angeles.
This event offers participants an opportunity to learn about the latest breakthroughs in research, treatment, and care for Alzheimer’s and dementia.
“I’m always excited to return to Care. Cure. Prevent. It’s such a meaningful opportunity to hear directly from experts about dementia care, treatment, and prevention, and to engage with our community in a shared mission. Every year, I walk away with new insights, and I’m so proud to help foster these important conversations. As we look ahead to HFC’s upcoming CareCon on Valentine’s Day and the public premiere of our documentary, Taking Care, in late November, I’m thrilled to continue building awareness and support for families impacted by dementia through HFC, Kensington Senior Living, and beyond.” – Lauren Miller Rogen
Attendees are encouraged to submit their questions to the panel during registration so that they can be discussed.
Whether you’re curious about emerging treatments, how to support a loved one through their diagnosis, or how to navigate care decisions, these experts will address your concerns.
The impact of Biogen drug approval on the Alzheimer’s community
The recent approval of new drugs like Leqembi from Biogen offers renewed hope in the fight against Alzheimer’s and will be a hot topic of discussion at Care. Cure. Prevent.
While not a cure, the drug is designed to target amyloid plaques in the brain, potentially slowing the progression of the disease.
For families and caregivers, this breakthrough is a beacon of hope. However, it’s essential to understand the limitations and ongoing research behind these treatments.
At The Kensington Sierra Madre event, expert speakers will discuss the potential impacts of this new drug and offer insights into how it could affect treatment plans in the future.
Facing a dementia or Alzheimer’s diagnosis: What’s next?
Receiving a diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s for yourself or a loved one can be devastating. It’s a life-altering moment that leaves many families wondering what the next steps should be.
However, stepping back and preparing for what lies ahead can provide some clarity and comfort.
- Take time to process: It’s important to process the news upon receiving a diagnosis. Allow yourself to feel the emotions associated with sadness, fear, or even anger. Surround yourself with a support network, such as family, friends, or a healthcare professional, who can help you accept the diagnosis.
- Educate yourself: Understanding the diagnosis can help alleviate some of the uncertainty. Ask your doctor for detailed explanations and resources about the specific type of dementia or Alzheimer’s you or your loved one is dealing with. The Care. Cure. Prevent. event on Nov. 14 is an excellent opportunity to learn about new treatments, research, and care options.
- Create a plan: Once you’ve had time to process the diagnosis, developing a care plan is crucial. This includes discussing the progression of the disease with healthcare providers and making important decisions regarding living arrangements, medical treatment, and legal matters such as power of attorney. Starting these conversations early can provide a sense of control and preparedness.
Navigating family dynamics after a diagnosis
Alzheimer’s and dementia don’t just affect the individual—a loved one’s diagnosis impacts the entire family.
Family members may have differing opinions on care options, treatment plans, or how to approach sensitive topics. This is why open, honest communication is so important.
Hold family meetings
Regular family meetings allow everyone to express their thoughts and feelings.
These gatherings offer a platform for discussing care decisions, financial responsibilities, and delegating tasks like appointments or day-to-day care.
The Kensington Sierra Madre encourages families to work together to ensure the best care for their loved ones and offers support in facilitating these conversations.
Designate roles
Caregiving can be exhausting, both physically and emotionally.
It’s helpful to distribute caregiving responsibilities among family members to avoid caregiver burnout.
Dividing tasks can make the caregiving process smoother and less overwhelming, whether managing finances, handling medical appointments, or assisting with daily activities.
Seek professional guidance
Family disputes can arise over the best course of action, especially as the disease progresses.
In these instances, a third-party mediator, such as a family therapist or a counselor with experience in elder care, can help navigate conflicts and guide families toward unified decisions.
Overcoming caregiver challenges
Being a caregiver for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s is a tremendous responsibility, and the challenges can often feel impossible.
Whether emotional, physical, or logistical difficulties, caregivers face unique stressors.
The Kensington Sierra Madre understands these challenges and offers unparalleled support to help caregivers through every stage of the journey.
Emotional strain
Watching a loved one’s cognitive decline can be heartbreaking.
Caregivers often struggle with feelings of grief, frustration, and guilt. Acknowledging these emotions and not trying to carry the weight alone is important.
The Kensington Sierra Madre hosts support groups and provides resources for caregivers to share their experiences and find comfort in knowing they’re not alone.
Physical and organizational demands
Caregivers often juggle medical appointments, daily care tasks, and their own personal lives. Finding time for self-care can feel impossible, leading to caregiver stress and burnout.
That’s where professional memory care services, like those offered at The Kensington Sierra Madre, become vital.
Our compassionate, highly trained care team helps caregivers find balance by offering tailored care for every stage of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Seeking help
It’s okay to ask for help from family, friends, or professional caregivers, and essential for long-term caregiving success.
The Kensington Sierra Madre community is here to step in, providing a compassionate environment where your loved one is cared for with dignity and respect, giving you the peace of mind to focus on your well-being.
How The Kensington Sierra Madre sets itself apart
Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia requires a deep level of compassion, patience, and understanding.
At The Kensington Sierra Madre, our team embraces a relationship-based model beyond traditional memory care.
Our team doesn’t just care for our residents’ physical needs—they take the time to build meaningful connections that enrich their lives.
Our community is more than assisted living and memory care—it’s a partner in the journey through memory loss, offering resources and support every step of the way.
Whether you’re at the beginning of your Alzheimer’s diagnosis journey or further along, we’re here to help.
Contact The Kensington Sierra Madre to learn more about our community, services, caregiver resources, and upcoming events.