Free Alzheimer’s Educational Conference Coming to Chicago on May 14

Chicago, IL — Chicago-area residents are invited to attend a free Alzheimer’s & Caregiving Educational Conference hosted by the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) on Wednesday, May 14, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe Street. Open to the public, the event offers valuable insights and practical tools for caregivers, healthcare professionals, and anyone interested in brain health and aging.

“Knowledge is a powerful tool, especially when navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s care,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., President & CEO of AFA. “This conference is designed to equip families with practical support and information that can help now and in the future. Whether Alzheimer’s is impacting your family or you simply want to learn more about brain health, we welcome you to join us.”

The conference will feature a range of expert-led sessions designed to inform and empower attendees. Susan Frick, MSW, LSW, of the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, will present “Alzheimer’s Disease: The Importance of Community.” In her talk, she will explore the critical role that community-based support systems play in helping caregivers navigate the challenges of dementia. She will highlight how peer connections and support groups can reduce isolation, provide emotional relief, and foster a sense of shared understanding among caregivers.

Dr. Emily Rogalski, the inaugural Rosalind Franklin Professor of Neurology at the University of Chicago and Founding Director of the Healthy Aging & Alzheimer’s Research Care (HAARC) Center, will speak on “SuperAging: Accelerating Breakthroughs in Aging, Dementia, and Cognitive Resilience.” Dr. Rogalski will share groundbreaking research on so-called “SuperAgers”—individuals over 80 whose cognitive abilities match those of people decades younger. Her session will explore how studying these individuals could lead to new treatments and strategies for maintaining brain health into old age.

The event will also include “The Colorful Side of Caregiving,” a panel discussion featuring Chicago residents Luisa Echevarria and Perla Castro, both of whom have cared for loved ones with Alzheimer’s disease. Drawing from personal experience, they will share practical caregiving tips and emphasize the importance of self-care for those providing support to others. Their heartfelt stories aim to inspire and reassure caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed or isolated.

In addition to the speaker sessions, attendees will have access to free, confidential memory screenings throughout the day.
Advance registration for the conference is highly recommended and can be completed online at www.alzfdn.org/tour.

For those unable to attend in person, AFA provides ongoing support via its National Toll-Free Helpline. Licensed social workers are available seven days a week by calling 866-232-8484, texting 646-586-5283, or chatting online at www.alzfdn.org. Web chat and text services are offered in over 90 languages.