What are the differences in the brain between normal aging and a brain affected by
the early stages of dementia? That is the discussion topic for the next program in
a series presented by Wyoming Dementia Together, conducted by Dr. Katherine Kitchen
Andren, of the University of Utah School of Medicine.
The program, which is free and open to the public, will be presented via Zoom Wednesday,
Jan. 28, at 10:30 a.m.
“Sometimes, people mistake normal brain aging for early stages of dementia,” says
Kitchen Andren. “We will be discussing the different types of dementia, and we will
contrast with mild cognitive changes.”
Kitchen Andren, who specializes in neuropsychology and Alzheimer’s disease, completed
her undergraduate work at Rocky Mountain College. She earned her doctorate in clinical
psychology from the University of Wyoming, and she performed her residency in psychology
at the University of Michigan.
Wyoming Dementia Together, which offers support services to those caring for people
living with Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia, operates under the direction of
UW’s Wyoming Center on Aging. The group provides virtual informational programs every
other Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Programs feature guest speakers and allow time for interaction
from those who attend online.
Wyoming Dementia Together support staff members include dementia care professionals,
licensed clinical social workers, physical and occupational therapists, and caregivers
themselves. Caregivers from throughout Wyoming and surrounding states have benefited.
Future program topics will feature “Partners in Care: The Power of Family Advocacy
in Our Health Care System,” Feb. 11; “The Soul of Care: Nurturing Spiritual Well-Being
in Dementia Support,” Feb. 25; “Beyond Words: Building Connection Through Enlightened
Communication,” March 11; and “Beyond Memory Loss: Tackling Common Comorbidities in
Caring for our Loved Ones,” March 25.
More information is available online at the Wyoming Dementia Together Caregiver Network site.
Information regarding registration for these online Zoom calls and the other free services offered by Wyoming Dementia Together is available by calling the Wyoming Center on Aging at (307) 766-2829 or emailing wycoa@uwyo.edu.
