Journey to Hope – DC Conference

Saturday, May 16, 2026

12:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sibley Memorial Hospital

5245 Loughboro Road, NW

Washington, DC

Are you caring for a family member or friend who has Alzheimer’s disease or related dementia? Feeling uneasy, under-informed or overwhelmed? Has the landscape of rapid change or job loss made things more challenging? Let us help!

to Hope – DC Conference for Alzheimer’s Family Care Partners.

This is a free conference for care partners. Join us to learn more about Alzheimer’s disease, how to be a better care partner, and the importance of self-care. Meet other care partners to learn and share new ways of coping and caring for yourself and your loved one. 

Topics include:

Blood Biomarkers to the Rescue presented by Dr. Abhay Moghekar

Dr. Moghekar will explain how minimally invasive, cost-effective blood biomarkers  are transforming Alzheimer’s care by enabling early, accurate diagnosis, accelerating clinical trials through rapid screening, and predicting future cognitive decline in asymptomatic individuals to facilitate early intervention.

Empowering Care Partners to build the Foundation of Caregiving  presented by Michael Smith

Mr. Smith’s presentation will provide comprehensive, person-centered guide for caregivers navigating the challenges of Alzheimer’s and other dementias. It covers practical strategies to maximize independence, improve communication techniques, interpret behaviors as messages, and connect with necessary support services.

Incorporating Improv to Improve Your Quality of Life presented by Resonance Improv

This informative and interactive session uses the principles of improv to offer caregivers practical, playful tools for connection. Designed for Alzheimer’s care partners, the workshop blends movement, laughter, and simple exercises to explore three core improv ideas:

“Yes, And…”

“Got Your Back”, and

“Embrace Mistakes”

Participants will learn strategies to support communication, reduce pressure, and approach daily interactions with greater ease, flexibility, and joy—no improv experience required.

 Speakers: Wes Gurney, Nina Unger, Matthew Gagliardo and Leeanne Jackson from Resonance Improv Alliance.

Light refreshments will be served. Door prizes will be awarded during the conference to family care partners.

Register at  https://smh.memberclicks.net/2026JourneyToHopeSSA or email [email protected] or call the Sibley Senior Association office 202-364-7602.