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A conversation about the Sex Differences In Dementia
CHANGE : The year 2020 has brought indescribable challenges to all of our lives. A global pandemic has put our healthcare system to the test, and unveiled issues that deeply impact the care for the elderly population. Join us in a two-part discussion on some of the most pressing issues for health and dementia care this year, and what can be done to address the problems.
COVID-19 & its impact on Dementia Care
According to the CDC, older adults are at highest risk for developing the severe illness from COVID-19 (1). The increased prevalence of comorbidities combined with high concentrations of elderly patients in senior care facilities pose a difficult problem in managing the spread of the disease.
In addition to infection management, the social isolation that is already prevalent among elders with dementia is amplified due to COVID-19 restrictions. Some care facilities have implemented virtual visits to combat social isolation, however underfunded facilities may be understaffed and/or lack the resources or technology to create a safe space for social interaction.
racial & socioeconomic disparities in dementia care
Studies have shown that nursing homes with a higher concentration of minorities have higher deficiencies to quality of life (2). Nursing home care is currently a two-tiered system. The lower tier consists of facilities housing mainly Medicaid residents and, as a result, has very limited resources. The nearly 15 percent of U.S. non hospital-based nursing homes that serve predominantly Medicaid residents have fewer nurses, lower occupancy rates, and more health-related deficiencies. They are more likely to be terminated from the Medicaid/Medicare program, are disproportionately located in the poorest counties, and are more likely to serve African-American residents than are other facilities (3).
Event details
Date: Saturday, November 6th, 2021
Time:
Pacific Standard Time: 10AM - 12PM
Mountain Standard Time: 11AM - 1PM
Central Standard Time: 12PM - 2PM
Eastern Standard Time: 1PM - 3PM
SCHEDULE
SPEAKERS
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
(in order of appearance)
Michelle Mielke, Ph.D.
Dr. Michelle M. Mielke is currently an associate professor in the Departments of Epidemiology and Neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr. Mielke works as a translational epidemiologist to identify fluid and neuroimaging biomarkers for the diagnosis, prediction and/or progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The principal research interests of Dr. Mielke are to further understanding of the epidemiology of neurodegenerative diseases and the sex-specific differences in the risk and progression of these diseases. Her work on sex and gender differences in disease risk will contribute to better precision-based medicine for men and women.
Dan Gasby
Dan Gasby is co-founder of the B. Smith brand along with his late wife and business partner, the American chef, supermodel, and lifestyle maven B. Smith. Together, they produced B. Smith-branded television shows, magazines, books, restaurants, and a line of branded home goods still sold at major retailers.
Prior to that, Gasby had a highly successful television sales and production career for shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the Essence Awards on CBS.
Following Smith’s 2013 early onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the couple authored Before I Forget (Harmony Books/Crown Publishing). Gasby was Smith’s chief caregiver during her illness and has become a leading voice for Alzheimer’s awareness, and caregiving. As a widower, he hosted a radio show for caregivers on 77WABC/Cumulus Media radio.
In addition to joining the American Brain Foundation Board of Directors to help the Foundation make curing brain disease a high profile, public cause, Gasby has been honored for his work with many awards and speaking appearances including as keynote and recipient of the 2017 Public Leadership in Neurology Award; speaker at the 2017 Congressional Briefing for World Mental Health Day; and noted guest of honor at Congressman Elijah E. Cummings’ 2017 unveiling of Alzheimer’s semi postal fundraising stamp which Gasby was influential in making happen.
Family testimonial
Dr. Ricci Sanchez
& Andy Sanchez
Dr. Sanchez is a graduate of The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), School of Public Health. Her Dissertation: "Are We Delivering on the Promise of Patient-Centered Care? An Exploratory Primary Care Case Study,” represents the passion of her 24 year career in Health Care.
Her most recent position was Chief Operating Officer at St. Luke’s Hospital in Kansas City, MO which is the flagship hospital of the Saint Luke's Health System.
Her career also includes the Yuma Regional Medical Center in Yuma, AZ and the Harris Health System in Houston, TX where she now resides with her husband, Andy.
Panelists
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