2026 Alzheimer’s & Dementia Awareness Conference

“Communication Is the Key”

Caring for someone living with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia often means navigating difficult conversations, complicated healthcare systems, important legal decisions, and changing ways of connecting with a loved one. This September, caregivers and community members will have an opportunity to gain practical tools for each of these challenges at the 2026 Alzheimer’s & Dementia Awareness Conference.

The free conference will be held:

Saturday, September 19
8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Rainier View Christian Church, 12305 Spanaway Loop Rd. S., Tacoma.

Lunch is provided, and eligible caregivers can receive 5 CEUs.

Communication is the KEY

With this theme the conference focuses on helping families communicate more effectively with loved ones and confidently advocate within the senior healthcare system. Communication Professor Tracey Whybrow will share her personal story along with practical tools and techniques designed to improve everyday communication.

Attendees will also learn how Alzheimer’s can affect a person’s ability to communicate as the disease progresses. Tinia Nelson, Community Educator for the Alzheimer’s Association, will offer tips for communicating more effectively with people living with the disease.

Systems Families Must Navigate

The day will go beyond interpersonal communication to address some of the systems families must navigate. Insurance specialist Nick Woog will explain Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security and how these programs can work together to help loved ones receive and retain the benefits to which they are entitled.

Honoring a Loved One’s Wishes

Planning for a loved one’s wishes is another important form of communication. Liz Johnson and Jim Bates of Puget Sound Estate Law will discuss how families can take steps to ensure those wishes are carried out legally.

Emotional Connections

The conference will also highlight the possibility of maintaining meaningful emotional connections throughout the dementia journey. Alzheimer’s advocate and board member Madeline Bastida will share what she is learning as a daughter experiencing this journey in real time. Her presentation will explore Reminiscence Therapy, which uses familiar sensory cues—including photographs, music, and scents—to encourage long-term memories and positive emotional connections.

Whether you are a family caregiver, professional caregiver, or community member seeking a better understanding of Alzheimer’s and dementia, this conference offers practical information for communicating, advocating, planning, and staying connected.

More Information

Registration is free. Register through the conference event page https://www.piercecountywa.gov/6905/Alzheimers-Conference or call 253-798-4600.