Shreveport bridge lights up to bring awareness to Alzheimer’s, dementia
Nonprofit hosts 3rd annual educational conference
SHREVEPORT, La. (KSLA) - November is National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, and a nonprofit is doing its part to raise awareness.
From dusk to midnight Wednesday (Nov. 1), the Bakowski Bridge in downtown Shreveport was lit up for Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. Paulette Freeman, with The Bridge Alzheimer’s and Dementia Resource Center, talks about the bridge lighting and how they hope to raise awareness of the diseases.
The CDC reports that as many as 6.7 million Americans have lived with Alzheimer’s disease in 2023. By 2050, healthcare experts are predicting that number will double. Here in northwest Louisiana, there are more than 85,000 people within a 75-mile radius who are suffering from the disease.
Alongside Alzheimer’s Awareness Month, November also is Caregiver’s Awareness Month, honoring those who dedicate their time to caring for those in need.
On Friday (Nov. 3), the nonprofit will host its 3rd Annual Alzheimer’s Conference from 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. at First Methodist Church, 500 Common St. in Shreveport. The event is a good opportunity for caregivers to educate themselves and gain access to resources and tools.
Keynote speaker will be Nancy Brown, CVT, who will talk about “Step Into Their Shoes and Cross the Street: Connecting Heart to Heart with Older Adults”.
Multiple other professionals will also hold breakout sessions.
Breakout sessions:
- Stacey Hand, MA, CVT- Choosing the Right Care Environment: Navigating the Different Levels of Care
- Elizabeth Disbrow, PhD - The Latest Advancements in Alzheimer’s Treatment and Research
- Lori Roy, MS, RD, LDN - The Connection Between Diet and Brain Health
- Jeff Overdyke, MD, Retired Geriatric Psychiatrist - Addressing Depression in Elders
- Laura Gauthier, LPC, CDP - Empowering Yourself as a Caregiver
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