Recognizing Alzheimer's and Other Dementias

According to the Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia now impact more than five million Americans and are a leading cause of death among aging persons. People are living, and as the baby boomer population ages, the number of aging adults and their adult children who are affected is projected to increase dramatically. A diagnosis of Alzheimer’s, or any other type of dementia, can be overwhelming, not only to the patient who has been diagnosed but also to adult children and other family members. Families must know the facts about symptoms assessment and diagnosis, the clinical stages of the disease’s progression, emerging research, current medical treatments, and non-medical caregiving options and resources. This program is designed to help adult children understand Alzheimer’s disease and other age-related types of dementia so they can help their parents manage these diseases and choose the resources and supports that best help their aging parents and themselves. Program Presenter: Dr. Emily Mroz Dr. Emily Mroz is a social-behavioral health researcher. She is an Assistant Professor at the Emory School of Nursing, where she conducts research to understand and address the support needs of people living with serious, progressive illnesses (e.g., dementia, cancer) and their family caregivers. She received her PhD in Psychology from the University of Florida in 2021 and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Yale School of Medicine before joining the Emory faculty. Her research is funded by the National Institute on Aging.