8:00-8:30 Registration Check-in/Vendor Visits
8:30-8:40 Conference Welcome
8:40-9:40 Lewy Body Dementia Panel
9:40-10:00 Vendor Break/Door Prizes/Snack
10:00-11:00 Breakout Session 1A & 1B
Breakout 1A Lewy Body Disease: Assessing Cognition and Behaviors - Dr. Victoria Williams PhD.
This presentation will provide an overview of the brain regions impacted by Lewy Body disease, how this can lead to specific changes in thinking and behavior, and how neuropsychological (cognitive) testing can be useful for diagnosing Lewy Body dementia, including differentiating it from other common forms of dementia.
Breakout 1B Managing Hallucinations and Behavior Changes: Especially in the Transition to Specialized Care - Dr. Cherl Tapp MD.
As some Lewy Body patients transition to specialized care, memory care, nursing home or hospice, managing behavior, hallucinations and delusions can be challenging. Will discuss how the decisions are made for including more caregivers and placement. Also, the individualized treatment plans for patients with the specifics of environmental, medication, and interventional therapies.
11:00-11:15 Vendor Break
11:15- 11:50 Bowel and Bladder Problems and Solutions in Lewy Body Dementia - Dr. Emily Walker PT, DPT.
A talk focusing on the anatomy and physiology of common bowel and bladder ailments in people with lewy body dementia, and what you as a caregiver can do to manage them at home
11:50-12:00 Break
12:00-1:00 Keynote Building a Safe Haven: Creating Supportive Environments for Individuals with Lewy Body Dementia - Julia Wood MOT, OTR/L.
A supportive environment can transform the daily experiences of individuals living with Lewy Body Dementia, fostering safety, dignity, and quality of life. This presentation explores key strategies for tailoring physical spaces, communication approaches, and caregiving practices to meet the unique needs of those with LBD. Attendees will learn practical tips for reducing environmental stressors, promoting meaningful engagement, and enhancing comfort and safety at every stage of the journey, empowering families, care partners and paid caregivers to create a truly compassionate and supportive space.
1:00-1:30 On a Positive Note Choir
Fox Valley Memory Project’s “On a Positive Note” chorus has offered people having a dementia and their care partners the joy of singing together since 2014. We’re proud of all our chorus members and happy that some have chosen to continue in the chorus even after their loved one has moved to memory care or has passed away.
1:30-1:45 Vendor Break
1:45-2:45 Breakout Session 2A & 2B
Breakout 2A Managing Parkinsonism and the Motor Symptoms of Dementia with Lewy Bodies - Dr. Vanesa Botsford MD
Most people with Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) will experience motor symptoms of parkinsonism over the course of the disease. This includes movement changes similar to those seen in Parkinson's disease, such as slowed movements, stiffness, and tremors. We will review these physical changes in movement and how to best manage them, as well as the complications that can arise.
Breakout 2B Managing Symptoms of Dysautonomia in the Setting of Other Common Medical Problems - Dr. Thomas Fabricius.
Symptoms of autonomic dysfunction of Lewy Body disease are tricky to manage in and of themselves. Unfortunately, common medical problems can make various interventions for dysautonomia management even more difficult. We will review some strategies for dealing with these situations with practical tips for patients and caregivers.
2:45-3:00 Vendor Break/Afternoon Snack
3:00-4:00 Breakout session 3A & 3B
Breakout 3A Exploring Meaningful Movement for People with Lewy Body Dementia - Joy Cochran PT, DPT, CEEAA.
We will discuss the importance of movement for slowing cognitive decline. Determine how to choose meaningful exercises to improve functionality and independence. Explore strategies and resources to empower People with Lewy Body Dementia to participate in individual and community activities.
Breakout 3B The DICE ApproachTM: A Safe Path to Managing Behavioral Challenges in Lewy Body Dementia - Molly J Schroeder CSW.
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD), such as agitation, hallucinations, delusions, and sleep disturbance, are common and distressing in Lewy Body Dementia (LBD). This presentation introduces the DICE ApproachTM, a structured, person-centered framework for understanding and managing these symptoms. Emphasizing nonpharmacological strategies, DICE empowers caregivers, enhances safety, and supports the well-being of both the person living with LBD and their care partners. Attendees will leave with practical tools to apply this evidence-informed method in real-world care settings.
4:05-4:15 Community Supports and Conference Closing