An Alzheimer’s diagnosis can change daily life, but joy and connection remain possible. Recorded at the 2026 Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit in Rancho Mirage, host Will Dean speaks with Paula Simonds, Executive Director of Alzheimer’s Coachella Valley, about helping families navigate dementia together. Paula shares how the organization’s free services, including early assessment screenings, counseling, and care partner support, meet local needs. Discover how art and music encourage expression, spark conversation, and create meaningful moments for people with dementia and their loved ones. Learn about Tunes for the Memories, Club Journey, and opportunities to support these programs through donations and lunch sponsorships. Paula also previews an October open house that welcomes residents to explore resources and start important conversations about memory concerns and support.

Takeaways:

• Free services help families navigate dementia together.
• Early screenings address concerns about memory changes.
• Care partners benefit from support and counseling.
• Art encourages expression, connection, and meaningful conversation.
• Music creates opportunities for joy and connection.
• Club Journey brings families together through activities.
• Donations and lunch sponsorships sustain free programs.
• Open house welcomes conversations about memory concerns.

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