Students from Fort Myers Occupational Therapy Assistant Program attended the Fourth Annual Symposium on Alzheimer’s disease and Related Dementias hosted by the Alvin A Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center and Florida Gulf Coast University. The event began with a dedication delivered by Jane Sweeny, who was the benefactor of the event that she has dedicated to her deceased husband, Bernard P. Sweeney.  Mrs. Sweeney provided a testimonial of her love of her husband as well as a discussion of the realities of being a caretaker for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease. OTA students listened to lectures by Dr. William Justiz, MD on the “Diagnostic Criteria and Molecular Biology of Alzheimer’s Disease”,  “Deep Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer’s Disease; What have we learned and what next?” by Neurosurgeon Dr. Kelly Foote. Dr. Daniel Kaufer, neurologist, spoke on the topic of Lewy Body Dementia.

FTM OTA Students enjoyed their first conference as future occupational therapy practitioners as well as the opportunity to learn about neurocognitive disorders.  OTA Student Kerrie Izer commented, “It was rewarding to hear about the relationship that neuroscientist have various disciplines including occupational therapy.  Being able to comprehend the lectures given by neurologist made me realize how much I have learned in the OTA program at Keiser University.”

The Alvin Dubin Alzheimer’s Resource Center is a local United Way organization, which provides support to persons with Alzheimer’s and related dementia and their caregivers. Program Director, Marcia Hamilton serves on the Advisory Council at the Center.

Photographed: FTM KU OTA Students with OTA Faculty Ms. Jessica Chapman, OTR/L , MSOT,  OTA PD Marcia Hamilton, MSHS, OTR/L, BCP  and Ms. Mary Freyer, RN, Alvin Dubin Resource Center Health Education Specialist.