Click Here to reserve your spot by registering online today.
When a loved one begins experiencing changes in memory, thinking, or behavior, families often have more questions than answers.
Is this normal aging? Could it be Mild Cognitive Impairment? When should we seek an evaluation? What does a diagnosis mean? And perhaps most importantly, how can we continue helping our loved one live a meaningful, connected and purposeful life?
These are important questions—and they are exactly the kinds of questions that will be explored at an upcoming community symposium hosted by the Alzheimer’s Association and Skylark Senior Care.
Living Well with Dementia: Navigating a New Era of Brain Health
The symposium will bring together individuals living with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI), Alzheimer’s disease or a related dementia, family care partners, healthcare and aging professionals, and community members who want to learn more about brain health and dementia care.
The event will focus on an important message: dementia does not erase the person.
With early recognition, accurate diagnosis, compassionate support and the right resources, individuals living with dementia can continue to experience connection, engagement and purpose.
What You Can Expect
During the symposium, attendees will explore several important aspects of the dementia journey, including:
- Recognizing changes in memory and thinking early
- Understanding the importance of obtaining an accurate diagnosis
- Responding to dementia with compassion and understanding
- Supporting individuals living with dementia as whole people
- Strengthening relationships between individuals with dementia and their care partners
- Discovering practical approaches to person-centered dementia care
- Learning about resources available to families and professionals
- Understanding how brain health and quality of life are connected
The Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter provides education, support groups and other resources for individuals living with dementia and their caregivers throughout Georgia. The organization notes that more than 188,000 Georgians are living with Alzheimer’s, while at least 391,000 caregivers provide unpaid care across the state.
That makes opportunities like this symposium especially valuable. Families don’t have to navigate dementia alone.
Meet the Keynote Speaker: Dr. Kalisha Bonds Johnson
The keynote speaker will be Dr. Kalisha Bonds Johnson, PhD, RN, PMHNP-BC, an Assistant Professor at Emory University’s Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing.
Dr. Bonds Johnson is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner and founder of the D.E.C.I.D.E. Research Lab and KBJ Collective.
Her work focuses on culturally responsive dementia care and supporting African American families living with dementia through research, education, coaching and practical resources.
She is also committed to reducing disparities in dementia care while giving caregivers and healthcare professionals practical, person-centered strategies.
Her perspective will bring an important dimension to the conversation about how we can provide dementia care that recognizes not only the diagnosis, but also the individual and the family behind it.
Featured Speaker: Cloud Q. Conrad
Also joining the symposium will be Cloud Q. Conrad, BA, a dementia educator, trainer and advocate.
Through volunteer work as a community educator and support group facilitator with the Alzheimer’s Association, Conrad helps families and professionals develop greater understanding and confidence when caring for someone living with dementia.
Her focus on compassionate, practical and person-centered care makes her a valuable resource for families who may be trying to understand what comes next after a dementia diagnosis.
Why Events Like This Matter
One of the most difficult parts of dementia can be feeling like you have to figure everything out on your own.
But education can change that.
Understanding dementia can help families replace fear with knowledge. It can help care partners respond to difficult moments with greater patience and compassion. And it can help families discover resources and strategies that support both the individual living with dementia and the people caring for them.
This philosophy aligns closely with the approach at Skylark Senior Care.
Skylark’s memory care program, BrainBloom, emphasizes social engagement, cognitive fitness, exercise and activities designed to keep seniors connected and engaged. Skylark describes its approach as supporting the whole person and creating care solutions that inspire freedom, hope and joy.
That is an important perspective when talking about dementia.
Care isn’t simply about managing symptoms.
It’s about helping a person continue to live.
To laugh.
To participate.
To connect with others.
To discover new experiences.
And to maintain as much independence and purpose as possible.
Save the Date
Living Well with Dementia: Navigating a New Era of Brain Health
Thursday, September 24, 2026
11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Johns Creek United Methodist Church
11180 Medlock Bridge Road
Johns Creek, GA 30097
Registration is required. Seating is limited, and a boxed lunch will be served.
If you or someone you love is living with Mild Cognitive Impairment, Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia—or if you are a caregiver, healthcare professional, aging professional or simply someone who wants to better understand brain health—this is an opportunity worth making time for.
Don’t Wait to Get Connected
The Alzheimer’s Association encourages individuals facing dementia and their caregivers to take advantage of education programs, support groups and community resources.
The earlier families become informed and connected, the more prepared they can be for the road ahead.
Click Here to reserve your spot by registering online today.
Come learn. Come connect. Come ask questions.
And most importantly, come discover that living well with dementia is still possible—and no one has to navigate the journey alone.
For more information about dementia care and the services available through Skylark Senior Care, visit Skylark Senior Care.
For Alzheimer’s education, support and resources throughout Georgia, visit the Alzheimer’s Association Georgia Chapter.