An In-Person Conference for Caregivers

Dementia and Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

Thursday, March 31, 2022
Student Center Gym, Caldwell University

Conference Overview

Evidence suggests that the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease among those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), especially Down syndrome, is higher than those without I/DD, and may develop at younger ages. It is estimated that at least 50% of all people with Down syndrome who live into their sixties will develop Alzheimer’s disease. When an individual with I/DD is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, there are many questions that caregivers face: How can I best prepare and adapt to the changes in mood and behavior that may occur in the person with dementia? How can I develop a legal and financial plan to meet the care needs that will arise? What resources are available in my community that can provide support? This no-cost conference for caregivers will help provide answers to these questions. This series is a part of the Alzheimer’s Disease Program Initiative, funded by the Administration on Aging, Administration on Community Living.

Learning Objectives

Attendees will:

  • Learn about Alzheimer’s disease in individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including the risks, symptoms, onset and more.
  • Learn how the person with dementia’s brain is changing and the behavioral and psychological symptoms this can cause.
  • Learn the importance of legal and financial planning for caregivers of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Have the opportunity to ask questions of the presenters.
  • Learn about key community resources through the resource tables at the event and from the presenting Administrator of the Statewide Clinical Outreach Program for the Elderly (SCOPE).

Agenda

9:00 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. Registration
Coffee/Light Breakfast
Resource Tables
9:45 a.m. – 9:50 a.m. Welcome & Introductions
Diane Silbernagel – Executive Director, HomeCare Options
Kenneth Zaentz, CFRE – President and CEO, Alzheimer’s New Jersey
9:50 a.m. – 10:50 a.m. Aging and Decline with an Intellectual Developmental Disability; Concerns for Dementia
Seth Keller, MD – Neurology Associates of South Jersey, Co-president of the National Task Group (NTG)
10:50 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. Break
Resource Tables – Caldwell University Nursing Students Poster Sessions
11:15 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. Person-Centered Life Planning: Securing the Future for People with Disabilities
Ellen Nalven, M Ed. – Executive Director PLAN NJ
12:15 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. Partners in Progress: Community Resources and Services
Leone Murphy, APN, Administrator for the Statewide Clinical Outreach Program for the Elderly (SCOPE) for Trinitas Regional Medical Center
1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. Lunch
Blessing of the Hands (Optional)
Resource Tables/Caregiver Networking

*Special Note: While this is an in-person conference, Dr. Seth Keller’s presentation will be shown virtually. He will also be available virtually following the presentation for a Q and A session.

*Caldwell University COVID-19 Requirements: All conference attendees must be fully vaccinated and must wear a mask. In submitting this registration form, I acknowledge that I understand and will meet these requirements and hold Alzheimer’s New Jersey®, HomeCare Options, and PLAN NJ harmless from any claims associated with my attendance. While this program is free, seating is limited. Please call 888-280-6055 with any questions.

Speakers

Seth Keller, MD

Seth M. Keller, MD, a board-certified neurologist in private practice with Neurology Associates of South Jersey. He specializes in the evaluation and care of adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD) with neurologic complications. Dr Keller is on the Executive Board of the Arc of Burlington County as well as on the board for The Arc of New Jersey Mainstreaming Medical Care Board. Dr Keller is the Past President of the American Academy of Developmental Medicine and Dentistry (AADMD). Dr Keller is the co-president of the National Task Group on Intellectual Disabilities and Dementia Practices (NTG). Dr. Keller is also the chair of the Adult IDD Section with the American Academy of Neurology. He is actively involved in national and international I/DD health education as a speaker and webinar and workshop participant. He is a co- author on a number of articles and book chapters relating to aging and dementia in those with IDD. Raised in Philadelphia, PA, Keller received his bachelor’s degree from Temple University, earned his medical degree from The George Washington University School of Medicine in 1989, and completed his neurology internship and residency at Bethesda Naval Hospital. He also served as a neurologist at the U.S. Naval Hospital in Okinawa, Japan.

Ellen Nalven, M Ed.

As the executive director of Planned Lifetime Assistance Network of NJ (PLAN/NJ), Ellen Nalven, M Ed. educates families on the importance of life planning to promote independent living and quality of life for individuals with disabilities. In this role she serves as legal Guardian and Trustee for Special Needs Trusts and oversees the delivery of case management, advocacy and life planning services for nearly 1000 people.

Previously, she served on the faculty of the Department of Psychiatric Rehabilitation at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey; as director of employment services for Our House, Inc.; and as a program consultant for the New Jersey Division of Developmental Disabilities. Ellen earned a master’s degree in education and a post master’s certificate in psychiatric rehabilitation.

Ellen is co-chair of the National Pooled Trust Standards Committee and has also received national recognition for her work in employment for people with disabilities. She received the President’s award from the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA); the National Rebecca Mc Donald Leadership Award from APSE, The Association for People Supporting Employment First and the co-founder award from NJAPSE. Ellen is a member of the Board of Directors of the National PLAN Alliance

Leone Murphy, APN-C

Leone Murphy, APN, is the Administrator for the Statewide Clinical Outreach Program for the Elderly (SCOPE) for Trinitas Regional Medical Center. She is the Chairperson for The ARC of New Jersey’s Mainstreaming Medical Care Advisory Board. Leone is an Instructor on Aging and I/DD for Rutgers University and The Boggs Center. She is also the Co-chair of the NJ Family Support Group for People with Down Syndrome and Dementia.

Signup Form

RSVP using the Form below. An email confirmation will be sent to you with conference details.