Caring for a person with dementia is challenging and often overwhelming. It is estimated that dementia can take place in up to 50% of the population 85 years and older, and many of us in the senior services industry will interact with people who have some level of dementia and/or their family members. The session will provide professionals with a greater level of understanding about the thought patterns and physical needs of persons with dementia, and the consequent caregiving issues, associated with the daily experiences of Alzheimer's patients. The session will review the current research and what looks promising for the future. Professionals will traverse the mine field of Alzheimer's disease and come away with a better understanding of how to navigate through the emotional and social issues. One focus will be to look at the financial cost of Alzheimer's and how this will impact the health care industry in the future. At the end of the session, professionals should be able to more effectively communicate with the Alzheimer's patient and the family.

Peggy Rowell Breda is the President of A Family Tie, a dementia-specific care management service. She previously served as Executive Director of Brightview Senior Living’s newest community in Northern Virginia, Brightview Woodburn. Before that, she opened, filled and supported several Alzheimer’s and Memory Care communities, in both Maryland and Virginia. She has worked with seniors for over 21 years and has been caring, leading and educating on dementia care issues for over 12 years. She has worked with the Alzheimer’s Association and other local organizations to help educate and advocate for people with memory loss. She has written, presented and consulted on education programs designed to help caregivers have a better understanding of cognitive loss and to ensure that time spent caring is only another opportunity for engagement. Peggy graduated from Salisbury University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration. She started her career in senior living in 1994 at Sunrise Senior Living, Peggy has held leadership positions within Sunrise Senior Living, Manor Care Health Services, Care Matrix, Life Matters and Coordinated Services Management. Peggy is a certified dementia trainer and helps educate others about the disease. She believes strongly in education. In addition to speaking on topics related to cognitive loss she works with her church teaching young children the importance and values associated with religious education.

Peggy will be joined by Alan Dubow, Vice President of Capital Health Solutions, where he directs a geriatric care management program that works exclusively with seniors that have Dementia and Behavioral Health issues. Widely regarded as among the foremost experts in the National Capital Area on care options for seniors, Alan, with extensive experience in the rehabilitation and long term care field, explains the complex health care system so that it is readily understood who goes where and what resources are available to cover care costs. He has designed healthcare informational programs used by both healthcare providers as outreach and marketing tools, and for non-profit organizations for major national initiatives. He has a degree in Psychology from Vassar College and Masters and Doctorate degrees from the University of Miami.