The DEER Program

09/04/2026

Learn about the power of "game-ification," from world-renowned physician, innovator, and entrepreneur Dr. Bill Thomas!

Monday, September 14, 2026
1:00 - 2:30 PM Pacific via Zoom

Registration at https://bit.ly/DFNV-SW

Have you heard of "game-ification?"

Join us on September 14 for our DFNV Distinguished Speaker Series, where Dr. Bill Thomas of Lifespark will share about the Spark Performance Leage (an intergenerational sports leage) and about the power of game-ifying well-being for elders.

Monday, September 14, 2026
1:00 - 2:30 PM Pacific
Online via Zoom

Free and open to all!

Register today: https://bit.ly/DFNV-SW

08/04/2026

Join Dementia Friendly Nevada on Monday for the Distinguished Speaker Series!

This will be a fantastic presentation about an exciting program, led by and for people living with dementia, focused on supporting well-being post-diagnosis.

Register at https://bit.ly/DFNV-SW

At DFNV, we know that the best guides to living well with dementia are people living with dementia themselves.

Join us next week for our DFNV Distinguished Speaker Series, where Damian Murphy of Innovations in Dementia will share the story behind "The Good Life With Dementia:" a post-diagnostic course for people living with dementia, designed and delivered by people living with dementia.

Monday, August 10, 2026
1:00 - 2:30 PM Pacific
Online via Zoom

Free and open to all!

Register today: https://bit.ly/DFNV-SW

08/03/2026

Freedom. Belonging. Support.

These ordinary but profound words form the foundation of DEER Program Director Dr. Jennifer Carson's reflections on her time walking the Camino de Santiago as part of Walking the Talk for Dementia 2026.

Read the full article, and learn how the Camino invites us to consider another way forward when it comes to dementia care and support.

https://www.unr.edu/nevada-today/news/2026/experiences-of-the-pack-jennifer-carson-reflection-on-dementia?utm_source=LinkedIn&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=health-Medicine&utm_content=Jennifer-Carson&fbclid=IwY2xjawTdkP1leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETE1d3pMZG9QQXF6Z3RQSTZnc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHj-i4S-g3u2j6cUqxR2SSAkVKW_0zqxbtXbkkul5W2Ps0VoywSgK68gkPnaP_aem_CUK4zE-4lPaUvcN4wCDE7g

Jennifer Carson, Ph.D, reflects on the Camino de Santiago and how freedom, belonging and support can reshape the way we approach dementia care.

07/27/2026

Lifelong learning is for everyone! Based in Reno/Sparks, open to all adults, and catering to all interests, our friends at OLLI are opening the doors to curiosity. Check them out at https://olli.unr.edu

07/07/2026

Join Dementia Friendly Nevada next week for a chance to hear from the International Association for Indigenous Aging on "Resources for Dementia-Friendly Communities!"

Don't miss this month's DFNV Distinguished Speaker Series session!

Featuring:

"The International Association for Indigenous Aging: Resources to Support Dementia-Friendly Communities"

Presented by Bill Benson, Megan Dicken (United Houma Nation), and Marvina Chavez (Diné) of the International Association for Indigenous Aging - IA2

Monday, July 13
1:00 - 2:30 PM Pacific
Online, via Zoom
Free and open to all!

Register today at https://bit.ly.DFNV-SW

06/13/2026

A day at the fair and a chance to connect with the community? That's a winning combination! 🎪

The DEER Program shared how to improve the lives of people living with dementia and their care partners through education, research and community engagement. We want to thank everyone who stopped by to visit Dr. Jennifer Carson and the The DEER Program while they were at the State Fair of Nevada.

06/11/2026

Dementia Conversations creates space for honest, respectful dialogue about living with dementia.

These facilitated conversations bring together people living with dementia, care partners, and community members to share experiences, reflect together, and learn from one another in a supportive environment.

Rather than focusing on education about dementia, Dementia Conversations centers lived experience, listening, and connection. The goal is not to provide answers or advice, but to foster understanding, reduce isolation, and build empathy through shared conversation.

If you are looking for a space grounded in respect, curiosity, and community, Dementia Conversations offers an opportunity to listen deeply and engage meaningfully.

More information and registration at https://DEERprogram.org/Dementia-Conversations

06/08/2026

It's Mythbusting Monday!

Dementia Myth: Dementia only affects memory.

Dementia Truth: While memory changes are common, dementia can affect many aspects of how a person experiences the world. Communication may become more difficult, sensory input may feel overwhelming, depth perception and spatial awareness can change, and emotional regulation may be impacted. A noisy environment can feel chaotic or unsafe. A familiar space may suddenly feel confusing. These changes are neurological and are not a reflection of effort, intelligence, or intent. Understanding dementia beyond memory loss allows families, professionals, and communities to adjust expectations, environments, and communication styles. When we do so, we can help reduce distress and support well-being and connection.

06/05/2026

Our next free, online Dementia Friends Information Session is on Wednesday, June 17th!

Join to learn about dementia and discover simple, practical ways to support people living with dementia in your community.

More information at https://DEERprogram.org/Dementia-Friends

06/04/2026

There's still time to register for this Distinguished Speaker Series session from Dementia Friendly Nevada!

Don't miss this month's DFNV Distinguished Speaker Series session!

Featuring a presentation on "Dignity, Dementia, and Changing the Story" by Jessica Luh Kim and Mary Beth Wighton of JLK Consulting and Coaching Services.

Monday, June 8
1:00 - 2:30 PM Pacific
Online, via Zoom

Free and open to all!

More information and registration at https://dfnv.org/distinguished-speakers