Alzheimer's Association Research Symposium Chicago

CAREGIVERS AND PROFESSIONALS

RESEARCH SYMPOSIUM

DeMystifying Alzheimer’s: Know the Risks, Intervene Early, Change the Future

Friday, November 7, 2025

9:30 am to 2:30 pm

Feinberg Pavilion Conference Center

Northwestern University

251 E Huron, 3rd Floor

Chicago, IL 60611

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Historical Symposiums

Sponsorship

Committee

About the Annual Symposium

The Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter hosts a research symposium every year in November to honor National Family Caregivers Month – a time to celebrate the contributions of caregivers, increase their awareness and connect them with information and resources.

By hosting this annual symposium, we have the opportunity to bring together over 300 caregivers, patients, families and healthcare professionals to learn about the latest in Alzheimer's and dementia research and the Association's role in driving and leading global research initiatives. We are also able to provide the attendees with information, tools, and resources.

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Agenda

Objective: An in-depth review of clinical studies and lifestyle interventions from distinguished researchers, clinicians and dementia professionals at the Health Systems across the Chicagoland area. Discussions will also include topics on brain health, risk reduction and early detection.

9:30 am – 10:00 am

Breakfast, Registration, and Exhibitor Spotlight

10:00 am – 10:20 am

Welcome

Delia Jervier, Region 9 Vice President and Illinois Chapter Executive

10:20 am - 12:00 pm

Plenary session: Early intervention, Biomarkers, and the US Pointer Study

Moderator: Dr. Angela James, Diversity Health NetWoRx; Olivia Matongo, Vice President, Program Services, Alzheimer's Association; Phyllis Jones, US Pointer Participant; Dr. Neelum Aggarwal, RUSH Alzheimer’s Disease Center; Dr. Concetta Forchetti, Ascension

12:00 pm - 1:00 pm

Lunch and exhibitor spotlight

1:00 pm – 1:30 pm

Legal Planning

Moderator: Ann Trampas, Community Educator, Alzheimer’s Association; Kerry Peck, Peck Ritchey, LLC

1:30 pm - 1:32 pm

Special Remarks

Scott Viscomi, The Key

1:32 pm – 2:30 pm

Dementia-related behaviors, encouraging self-care, and cultural differences when approaching caregiving

Moderator: Kris Lonsway, PhD, OptWell; Dr. Eitan Kimchi, University of Illinois at Chicago; Hetal Pandya, Lundbeck; Monica Moreno, Senior Director, Dementia Care Navigation

2:30 pm –2:35 pm

Closing Remarks

Dr. Ajay Sood, Rush University

speakers

Speakers

Olivia Matongo

Olivia Matongo is the Vice President of Programs for the Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois Chapter where she heads a talented team across eight sites in delivering programs and initiatives focused on expanding reach of care and access to timely diagnosis as well as quality and safety of care for 2.2M Illinoisans. Olivia is inspired most when cultivating strong working relationships and bringing people together to achieve a common mission in accelerating healthcare deliverables and resources for patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Over the course of her career, Olivia has worked for notable organizations such as The National Academies of Science, Engineering, & Medicine; American College of Surgeons, and Villa Healthcare where she brought thought leadership in rolling out new programs and publishing guidelines and documentation to improve safety and quality through a value-based model for care. She thrives in fast paced climates quickly identifying new opportunities and change initiatives to boost awareness, secure funding, and form strategic partnerships. She excels in establishing committees, project teams, and a talented workforce focused on a common vision.

Hetal Pandya

Hetal Pandya, M.S., OTR/L is a Medical Science Liaison at Lundbeck, supporting the psychiatry therapeutic area including agitation associated with dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. With a background in direct patient care and experience working with patients and caregivers across a wide range of therapeutic areas—from pediatrics to geriatrics—Hetal brings a well-rounded, real-world perspective to the discussion. In her role as a Medical Science Liaison, she has provided non-promotional, evidence-based education on neurological and psychiatric conditions to clinicians, patients, and caregivers. Her work has given her deep insight into the complexities of dementia-related behaviors, the importance of encouraging self-care, and the need to approach caregiving through a culturally sensitive lens—key themes that will be explored in this presentation.

Terrianne Reynolds

Terrianne Reynolds is the Region 9 Health Systems Director for the Alzheimer's Association national office. Prior to taking this position in 2022, she served as the Director of Health Care Initiatives as Co Chapter lead for the U.S. POINTER Chicagoland Site and led many Caregiver Grant Initiatives and the planning of the Illinois Chapter's Research Symposium since 2014. In her current role, Terrianne is responsible for leading the Alzheimer's Association's partnership initiatives, consultation, and advisement with health systems in Illinois, Kentucky and Indiana.

Ms. Reynolds completed her Bachelor of Science in exercise physiology/cardiac rehabilitation at Winona State University and holds a master’s in public health from the University of Wisconsin. Prior to joining the Association in 2014, Terrianne served as Assistant Dean for Planning, Course Director for Clinical Epidemiology and Clinical Instructor of Medicine for the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science for 10 years. She holds certificates in Healthcare Management, Strategic Planning and Physician Leadership.

Ms. Reynolds career interest is in the design and implementation of continuing medical education and health system quality improvement strategies to enhance early diagnosis, care and support for Alzheimer’s patients, families, and caregivers. She has specific interest in clinical trials designed to implement exercise, nutrition, and lifestyle behaviors to delay the onset of mild cognitive impairment.

Terrianne lives in Illinois with her husband Jeremy, and two sons Payton and Jack, and a very active Irish Setter, Rosie.

Kerry R. Peck

Kerry R. Peck is the managing partner of the Chicago law firm Peck Ritchey, LLC where he concentrates his practice in Trust and Estate Litigation, Estate Planning/Administration, Guardianship, Fiduciary Litigation, and Elder Law. His clients have included families, hospitals, banks, the State of Illinois, County of Cook, and City of Chicago. Mr. Peck was a member of the Alzheimer’s Association Greater Illinois Chapter Board of Directors for over 5 years. Mr. Peck is past President of the 22,000-lawyer Chicago Bar Association; is currently a member of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Law and Aging. In 2022 Mr. Peck was appointed by the Illinois Supreme Court as chair of the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Elder Law. He was retained by the City of Chicago Department of Aging to rewrite the State of Illinois Elder Abuse and Neglect Act. He has been instrumental in working on legislation to protect older adults at the federal, state and local levels.

For over twenty consecutive years he has been selected by his peers as a “Super Lawyer”, an attorney to whom other attorneys would refer their family, and he was named a member of the Leading Lawyers Network. Peck Ritchey, LLC continues to be recognized by Best Law Firms, a testament to the firm’s unwavering commitment to legal excellence. Mr. Peck is the recipient of the 2014 Justice John Paul Stevens Award, the Chicago Bar Association’s highest honor. He was also selected by IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law as one of their 125 Alumni of Distinction.

Kerry co-wrote the books Alzheimer’s and the Law and Don’t Let Dementia Steal Everything, published by the American Bar Association, and is a frequent speaker at continuing education seminars for attorneys and healthcare professionals across the country. He has presented for the Alzheimer’s Association at numerous events over the years.

Concetta M. Forchetti

Dr. Concetta M. Forchetti is a Board-certified Neurologist. She graduated from the University La Sapienza Rome did 3 years Post Doc at the NIH Bethesda, and her Neurology training at Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia. She is the Medical Director of the Center for Clinical Research and the Memory Disorder Clinic
at Ascension Illinois.

For over 30 years, Dr. Forchetti has focused both her neurology practice and clinical research on the care and study of Degenerative Cognitive Disorders. Dr Forchetti has been the Principal Investigator in over 200 clinical trials.

For decades, Dr. Forchetti has been educating Physicians and Health Care Providers on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of individuals with Cognitive Disorders.

Phyllis Jones

Phyllis Jones is a passionate volunteer and community educator with the Alzheimer’s
Association Illinois Chapter. Motivated by her personal experience supporting her mother
through vascular dementia and witnessing its impact across generations in her family, Phyllis became involved in the U.S. POINTER Study, a groundbreaking lifestyle intervention trial focused on preventing cognitive decline. Following her participation, she has dedicated herself to raising awareness, educating communities, and advocating for Alzheimer's research and prevention. Phyllis brings a unique participant perspective to her work and is committed to empowering others through knowledge and support.

Eitan Kimchi

Dr. Kimchi is Visiting Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Co-Director of the Memory Disorders Clinic, Director of Medical Student Education in Psychiatry, and Director of Academic Initiatives at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC). He completed his residency in 2013 at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt Psychiatry Residency Program and his geriatric psychiatry fellowship at Johns Hopkins University in 2014. He subsequently joined the Department of Psychiatry faculty at Johns Hopkins University until relocating to the Chicagoland area. Dr. Kimchi served on faculty at Rush University Medical Center from 2016 to 2022 as Associate Medical Director of the Section of Geriatric Psychiatry, Medical Director of Emergency Psychiatry, and Associate Residency Training Director of Psychiatry. He joined the Department of Psychiatry at UIC in 2022.

Dr. Kimchi’s clinical and research interests lie in dementia-related care, medical education, and emergency psychiatry. He has authored several textbook chapters related to geriatric psychiatry, cognitive disorders, behavioral disturbances in dementia, decision-making capacity, and emergency psychiatry. Dr. Kimchi has been invited to present Grand Rounds at academic medical centers and to chair panels at national conferences on dementia-related care and decision-making capacity.

Delia Jervier

Delia Jervier, is the Region 9 Vice President and Illinois Chapter Executive of the Alzheimer’s Association, the global leader in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, support and researcher.

Since joining the Alzheimer’s Association back in 2013, Delia has held several roles, highlighting her increasing leadership within the organization and the cause. As director of chapter operations, she successfully managed a portfolio of chapters ahead of the merger. She moved to Texas in 2017, to become the executive director of the Capital of Texas Chapter. Under her leadership, the chapter’s overall revenue increased by 400% and the board of the newly emerged chapter was rebuilt. To expand community engagement Delia worked diligently to secure relationships with organizations to support D&I goals, including the Austin Urban League and the Mexican Consulate.

Delia Joined the Illinois chapter as Executive Director in 2020 and has been instrument in elevating the visibility and reach of the organization in the Chicagoland community. In 2021, Delia was named one of Crain’s 2021 Notable Black Leaders and Executives for reaching a prominent place in nonprofit and lifting her community.

Prior to joining the Association, Delia held various leadership positions in the nonprofit sector. Launching her career as executive director of the African American Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida before joining the American Diabetes Association in 1996. Over the next 17 years, Delia served in various leadership roles, including executive director of Central Florida.

Ajay Sood

Ajay Sood, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor of Neurology with the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. He completed Medical School at the University College of Medical Sciences (India), PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Medical College of Georgia, Internship in Internal Medicine at Loyola University, Chicago, Neurology residency at Loyola University Chicago, and State University of New York, Syracuse. After completing his neurology residency, Sood received further training in Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at Baylor University, Houston, TX. He is board-certified in Neurology and Psychiatry. Sood’s academic career interests include understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for neurodegenerative conditions and advancing therapeutics in these conditions, improving quality of care for patients suffering from dementia and associated conditions, and providing education and best care practices to community and physicians treating these conditions.

After completing his education, Sood worked as a cognitive neurologist at AMITA Health, IL, for about five years, before joining the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. He served as a principal investigator and sub-investigator for several pharmaceutical-sponsored, NIH-sponsored trials in dementia. Sood is also involved in epidemiological research at Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. He is also a part of the clinical care team to evaluate patients with various cognitive complaints at Rush memory center.

Sood serves as a member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois chapter research committee and dementia working group international committee for ASPREE-XT. He is a member of the American Academy of neurology and Alzheimer’s association. He has authored/co-authored several manuscripts on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, including quality improvement parameters in patients with mild cognitive impairment (part of the AAN committee). He is currently involved in multiple projects involving dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Neelum T. Aggarwal

Dr. Neelum T. Aggarwal, MD, is a Professor in the Departments of Neurological Sciences and the Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center at Rush University Medical Center. She is the Senior Neurologist for the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center (RADC), Research Director at the Rush Heart Center for Women, and serves as the Principal Investigator and Site Principal Investigator for multiple NIA-funded research studies and consortia led clinical trials in aging and dementia prevention.

Her recent work focuses on how sex, gender, cardiovascular disease, stroke and social drivers of health are associated with risk, detection, and treatment of cognitive changes associated with dementia. Dr. Aggarwal is a long-standing voice for community-based research, clinical trial participation, public health initiatives, both in Chicago and nationally. She was AMWA’s inaugural Chief Diversity officer, and past chair of the Governing Council of the American Medical Association- Women's Physician Section and presently serves as the AMWA delegate to the AMA House of Delegates.

She completed her medical degree from the Rosalind Franklin University - Chicago Medical School, completed her neurology residency at Henry Ford Hospital in Detroit, Michigan, and completed an aging and neurodegenerative disorders fellowship at the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center.

Scott Viscomi

Scott A. Viscomi, MBA, is an accomplished healthcare and business development executive with over 20 years of leadership experience in senior care and healthcare services. As Area Sales Manager for TheKey, he oversees growth across Chicago, Milwaukee, and Michigan. He also serves as President of the Lake County East Chapter of Illinois Continuity of Care, promoting collaboration among clinicians and senior care professionals. Scott holds an MBA in Global Strategy and Leadership from Pepperdine University. A lifelong athlete and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitor, he integrates discipline, empathy, and accountability into his leadership and advocacy for aging with dignity.

Committee

Dr. Concetta M. Forchetti is a Board-certified Neurologist. She graduated from the University La Sapienza Rome did 3 years Post Doc at the NIH Bethesda, and her Neurology training at Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia. She is the Medical Director of the Center for Clinical Research and the Memory Disorder Clinic at Ascension Illinois.

For over 30 years, Dr. Forchetti has focused both her neurology practice and clinical research on the care and study of Degenerative Cognitive Disorders. Dr Forchetti has been the Principal Investigator in over 200 clinical trials.

For decades, Dr. Forchetti has been educating Physicians and Health Care Providers on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of individuals with Cognitive Disorders.

Ben Lissner is a biomedical engineering graduate from Boston University College of Engineering, with a background in medical device design and biomedical software development. During his time at university, Ben was actively involved in various projects and groups, including a research lab and the Mars Rover Team, where he gained hands-on experience and practical skills.

Currently, Ben is a Biomedical Solutions Specialist at Level Ex, where he works on the development of innovative educational medical games and collaborates on projects aimed at creating advanced healthcare solutions. Proficient in various programming languages and design tools, Ben is passionate about leveraging his skills to make a positive impact in the medical field. In his free time, Ben enjoys volunteering, playing soccer, and participating in game jams.

Darby Morhardt, PhD, LCSW is Research Professor, Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease and Department of Preventive Medicine (Public Health Practice), Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Morhardt directs the Mesulam Center’s Outreach, Recruitment and Engagement Core, Clinical Social Work Services, Quality of Life Initiatives, and the Miller Post-Graduate Social Work Fellowship in Neurocognitive Disorders.

Areas of research include the experience of individuals and families living with dementia; the process of tailoring care to specific needs and symptoms; and the development and evaluation of quality-of-life enrichment interventions.

Dr. Morhardt has a long history of community engaged research partnerships to address inequities in dementia education, awareness, research participation and quality of life enhancing programs throughout Chicago especially with underrepresented groups.

Appointed to the State of Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease Advisory Committee since 2000 she has contributed to the writing of the Illinois Alzheimer’s Disease State Plan and was a founding leader of the Illinois Cognitive Resources Network (Ilbrainhealth.org). Dr. Morhardt also serves on the Illinois Supreme Court Commission on Elder Law, tasked to more effectively address the needs and legal issues of older adults.

Nancy is the Director of Academic Partnerships for Portal Innovations. Her past experience includes serving for the past seven years as the Director of Translational Science Programs and Initiatives for the Chicago Biomedical Consortium where she managed a program to provide funding to academic researchers to advance their therapeutic discoveries. She has over 25 years of experience in business development with entrepreneurial life sciences start-ups. Nancy is a past president of Women In Bio and has served on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Kris Lonsway, PhD, is an organizational psychologist, certified leadership and life coach, and speaker who evolved into an Alzheimer's prevention and wellness advocate when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's the same year her son was diagnosed on the autism spectrum about 18 years ago.

Kris is the Founder and President of OptWell, a nonprofit in Chicago’s western suburbs that educates the community on healthy lifestyle habits to lower the risk of Alzheimer’s and other chronic diseases. Kris also serves on the Community Memorial Foundation Board of Directors, chairs its Building Organizational Effectiveness Committee, and is a member of its Regional Health and Human Services Agenda Implementation Council to measurably improve health and wellness, access to healthcare, and nonprofit capacity in the western suburbs of Chicago.

Perla Castro – MIS, PMP

Perla Castro is deeply committed to Alzheimer's research, advocacy, and education. She passionately fights stigma and actively advocates for increased aging-in-place support services for all those affected by the disease, particularly within the Latino community. For 22 years, Perla was a dedicated caregiver for her mother, who was diagnosed with young-onset Alzheimer's in her early 50s. She volunteers her time and expertise as a Project Manager for various community organizations in Chicago and Guatemala.

With over 20 years of experience, Perla has driven significant global program success for Fortune 500 companies, government entities, and non-profit organizations. As the Interim Executive Director of LA CARE, an organization dedicated to the advocacy, research, and education of Alzheimer’s disease, she leads efforts to advance awareness and support within the Latino community. Additionally, as the owner of Alpha PM Consulting, she excels in building team consensus and cultivating exceptional relationships across cultures, industries, and organizations. Perla is a dedicated entrepreneur and community advocate who is fluent in Spanish and English.

Ajay Sood, MD, PhD, is an assistant professor of Neurology with the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. He completed Medical School at the University College of Medical Sciences (India), PhD in Pharmacology and Toxicology from Medical College of Georgia, Internship in Internal Medicine at Loyola University, Chicago, Neurology residency at Loyola University Chicago, and State University of New York, Syracuse. After completing his neurology residency, Sood received further training in Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease at Baylor University, Houston, TX. He is board-certified in Neurology and Psychiatry. Sood’s academic career interests include understanding the underlying mechanisms responsible for neurodegenerative conditions and advancing therapeutics in these conditions, improving quality of care for patients suffering from dementia and associated conditions, and providing education and best care practices to community and physicians treating these conditions.

After completing his education, Sood worked as a cognitive neurologist at AMITA Health, IL, for about five years, before joining the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. He served as a principal investigator and sub-investigator for several pharmaceutical-sponsored, NIH-sponsored trials in dementia. Sood is also involved in epidemiological research at Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. He is also a part of the clinical care team to evaluate patients with various cognitive complaints at Rush memory center.

Sood serves as a member of the Alzheimer’s Association’s Illinois chapter research committee and dementia working group international committee for ASPREE-XT. He is a member of the American Academy of neurology and Alzheimer’s association. He has authored/co-authored several manuscripts on Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, including quality improvement parameters in patients with mild cognitive impairment (part of the AAN committee). He is currently involved in multiple projects involving dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Francesca Farina

Dr. Francesca Farina is a Research Assistant Professor in the Pritzker School of Medicine at the University of Chicago. A trained neuroscientist, Dr. Farina leads a dedicated line of research on women’s brain health with a particular focus on modifiable factors that influence risk for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Her work emphasizes the importance of early detection, with a goal of identifying both risk and resilience factors that emerge during key life transitions, such as menopause. Beyond the lab, Dr. Farina works actively with patient advocacy groups and community-based organizations to promote brain health literacy and reduce stigma surrounding cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases. She is committed to advancing equitable, informed, and proactive approaches to brain health for all.

Phyllis Jones

Phyllis Jones is a passionate volunteer and community educator with the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter. Motivated by her personal experience supporting her mother through vascular dementia and witnessing its impact across generations in her family, Phyllis became involved in the U.S. POINTER Study, a groundbreaking lifestyle intervention trial focused on preventing cognitive decline. Following her participation, she has dedicated herself to raising awareness, educating communities, and advocating for Alzheimer's research and prevention. Phyllis brings a unique participant perspective to her work and is committed to empowering others through knowledge and support.

Dr. Angela James

Dr. Angela James is a distinguished scientist and Biopharma leader with deep expertise in drug development, Clinical Pharmacology, and Translational Science. Throughout her career, she has held pivotal roles, including Vice President of Clinical Development at iTeos Therapeutics, Head of Clinical Pharmacology at MacroGenics, and leadership positions at Astellas Pharma, Celgene, and Alcon/Novartis. Her scientific acumen, strategic vision, and commitment to innovation have contributed to the advancement of novel therapeutics, particularly in oncology and immuno-oncology.

Dr. James earned her B.A. in Biology from Rice University, followed by a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences with a research focus in Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics Modeling and Simulation from the University of Maryland, Baltimore. She further honed her expertise with an M.S. in Pharmacometrics from the same institution.

Beyond her scientific contributions, Dr. James is a champion for pharmacoequity. She is the Founder and CEO of Diversity Health NetWoRx (DHN), a company committed to transforming the landscape of clinical research by ensuring that trials are inclusive and representative of diverse populations. Through community engagement, culturally-responsive recruitment, and participant retention strategies, DHN works to make clinical trials accessible, inclusive, and impactful for all.

Dr. James is the former Chair of the Women In Bio (WIB)-Chicago Advisory Board, past Chair of WIB Chicago, and former Chair of the Oncology Community for the American Society of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics (ASCPT). She serves on the Board of Directors for the Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter and Shorefront Legacy Center, a non-profit organization whose mission is to collect, preserve, and educate people about Black history on Chicago's suburban North Shore. Dr. James is the Co-Chair of the Board of Directors for Youth Technology Corps, a Chicago-based nonprofit that equips middle and high school students with real-world STEM skills while fostering civic engagement through technology access initiatives. She has also held leadership positions in her professional organizations, including former Board Chair and President of the Chicago chapter of Women in Bio.

Ann E. Trampas

Ann E. Trampas is a Community Educator and Planning Committee member for the Research Symposium for the Alzheimer's Association, a consultant in the alliance profession, and a Faculty member at the American Management Association. She is a former Senior Lecturer at the University of Illinois - Chicago (UIC) and College Representative to the Faculty Senate. At UIC, she taught courses in marketing, sales management, business strategy, channels of distribution, and e-commerce. In her consulting role. She focuses on developing and delivering skills mastery classes in collaborative relationship management and consulting in optimizing strategic alliances. Ann is recognized as president-emeritus of the Midwest Chapter of the Association of Strategic Alliance Professionals (ASAP) and serves as a member of the Technical Advisory Group for the ISO standard for Collaborative Business. Her previous corporate roles included Vice President of Global Alliances for IBM-SPSS, Vice President of Alliances Teleglobe and Manager, EY.

Rev. Frank Walton

Rev. Frank Walton currently serves as the president of the American Baptist Churches of Metro Chicago and as an Intentional Interim Minister. He provides licensed and ordained pastoral leadership to congregations during periods of transition, drawing upon a Master of Theological Studies from Faith International University & Seminary and specialized training from the Interim Ministry Network. He is recognized for his integrity and visionary leadership, inspiring discipleship, evangelism, and clear mission in every community he serves.

His dedication to ministry excellence and community engagement has been recognized with numerous accolades, including being named one of the 2017 Most Distinguished Men of Illinois, an induction into the Broadcasters Hall of Fame (Akron, OH), and the GMWA/GAG 2009 Gospel Announcer of the Year award. He also holds a shared Honorary Doctorate from GMOR Theological Institute (Midwest Region), in addition to receiving the National Jitsuo Morikawa Evangelism Award and the Man of the Century Award. Pastor Frank shares talents with numerous boards including the Alzheimer's Association of Illinois, National Museum of Gospel Music, Bobby L Rush Center for Flourishing Communities, Lafayette Gatling Sr Scholarship Fund, South Central Community Services with a focus on resources that help others.

Historical Symposiums

Research Conference and Webinar: Connecting the Dots

November 12, 2022

9:00 AM – 12:15 PM CST

An in-depth review of clinical trials and lifestyle activities that may reduce the risk of the developing Alzheimer’s disease, and signs to watch for to ensure early diagnosis.

Watch the Recording

Slide Decks

Agenda

Research Conference and Webinar: Network of Hope

November 8, 2024

9:30 AM – 2:30 PM CST

An in-depth review of clinical studies and lifestyle interventions from distinguished researchers, clinicians and dementia professionals at Health Systems across the Chicagoland area. Discussions will also include topics on brain health, risk reduction and early detection.

Watch the Recording

Slide Decks

Photos

Who Should Attend?

Clinical, research, and family tracks are designed for:

Attendee with early dementia or MCI
Family, friend, or family care partner* of person with dementia
Professional caregiver, direct care staff, administrator: please note: no continuing education credits offered

ALZPro

Free Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits will not be offered at this year’s Research Conference. We recognize the value of these credits and appreciate your understanding as we shift our focus toward broader engagement and content accessibility.

We encourage all attendees to participate for the rich educational content, networking opportunities, and professional development the conference provides.

ALZPro is your central hub offering the latest clinical guidelines, education and training, research publications and practical tools for researchers, clinicians and dementia care providers. Built to empower all dementia professionals, ALZPro delivers timely, relevant resources to advance evidence-informed, person-centered care.

Visit pro.alz.org to learn more.