I'm Still Here Dementia Care Conference Takes Place Nov. 7 at College

$I\'m Still Here$

SHREVEPORT, La. — The Alzheimer's Association, Louisiana Chapter, will hold its annual Dementia Care Conference, I'm Still Here, Friday, Nov.7 from 7:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. in the Kilpatrick Auditorium, located on the Centenary College campus.

Hosted by the Centenary College Biology Department, I'm Still Here will cover a wide range of topics including living with Alzheimer's, estate planning and future therapies. Health care professionals will also have the opportunity to learn about the latest care practices and research related to Alzheimer's and other dementias. The conference coincides with National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness month which is observed during November.

The conference is free to all Centenary students to attend. Continuing Education Credit is available for RNs, NHAs and Social Workers. Early registration is $60 for CEU professional attendees, $40 for non-CEU attendees and $20 for students with identification. Scholarships are also available for non-CEU attendees.

Coach Frank Broyles talking about his wife and Alzheimer's

Frank Broyles (29min)

The Biology Department will also host the conference keynote speaker, Attaway Scholar Bill Bridgwater, who will provide an insider's look into Alzheimer's disease. Bridgwater is 52-years old, and was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer's at the age of 48 in 2004. He's had a 26-year career in the information technology field, holding senior positions at multi-billion dollar corporations. He also serves on the Early Stage Advisory Group for the National Alzheimer's Association.

Bridgwater will also be meeting with pre-med and neuroscience students during his visit, as well as speaking at Convocation, Thursday, Nov. 6 at Mickle Hall.

The second featured keynote speaker will be Southeastern Conference football legend, Frank Broyles of the Arkansas Razorbacks. He established the Barbara Broyles Legacy after his wife, Barbara, passed away from Alzheimer's disease in 2004. He has been a vocal supporter of Alzheimer's research and improved care giving for older adults. His book, Coach Frank Broyles' Playbook for Alzheimer's Care givers, is a football-themed, practical guide that addresses "Pre-Game Planning," "Coaches and Special Teams," "Playing Offense," "Playing Defense" and the "Training Table" for each stage of the disease.

For questions, details and registration information, call the Alzheimer's Association at 318.861.8613 or visit http://www.alz.org/.

About Centenary College of Louisiana

Centenary College is a private, four-year arts and sciences college affiliated with the United Methodist Church. Founded in 1825, it is the oldest chartered liberal arts college west of the Mississippi River and is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Centenary is one of 16 colleges and universities constituting the Associated Colleges of the South and is regularly rated as one of the top colleges in the South. In 2008 Centenary College celebrates 100 years in Shreveport and Bossier City.