Redefining Memory Loss
Redefining Memory Loss Conference
Tuesday June 9th, 2026 | 8:00 – 4:30 | Delta Hotel | Fargo, ND
This unique, local conference offers attendees the opportunity to learn from leading dementia experts. Attendees will gain valuable knowledge, practical tools, and helpful resources while also experiencing the empowerment that comes from connecting with others who share a commitment to improving dementia care and support.
Meet Our Keynote Speakers
Dr. Vijay Ramanan – Dr. Ramanan is a Consultant and Associate Professor in the Department of Neurology and Division of Behavioral Neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester. His clinical and research interests center on neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in relation to polygenic risk scores and blood biomarkers of disease. He is also the Director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Treatment Clinic and is involved in clinical trials for AD and related diseases. Prior to arrival at Mayo Clinic where he completed his Adult Neurology Residency and Behavioral Neurology Fellowship before joining on staff, he completed his undergraduate degree at the University of Notre Dame and his MD/PhD at Indiana University School of Medicine.
Jayne Clairmont – Jayne Clairmont is a passionate, thoughtful, and highly driven dementia expert, consultant, and sought-after speaker, she is recognized both nationally and internationally for her dedication to improving care for individuals living with dementia and supporting their care partners and families.
Raised in North Dakota, her grandparents, family, and mentors instilled in her the enduring values of respect and dignity; principles that continue to guide her work today. Over the past 40 years, she has had the privilege of serving thousands of elders and their families throughout their dementia journey. Her extensive experience working with individuals living with memory loss, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia has allowed her to develop deep knowledge and a wide range of practical expertise to support those she serves.
One of her greatest joys is working directly with individuals living with dementia and their families to help them find dignity, comfort, and tremendous joy in each stage of the journey. Her approach provides families with an educated understanding of what is happening in their loved one’s mind, empowering them to engage from a place of competence and confidence. Her work includes family coaching, education, environmental review, and the development of customized care plans, all designed to create opportunities for excellence in care.
Meet Our Breakout Speakers
Dr. Lindsey Dahl
Lindsey Dahl, MD, is a fellowship-trained geriatrician who specializes in geriatric and internal medicine with a special interest in fall prevention, exercise and training future doctors.
Dr. Dahl provides care for patients experiencing the following conditions:
- Alzheimer’s disease
- Atrial fibrillation
- COPD
- Congestive heart failure
- Dementia
- Diabetes
- Frailty
- Hypertension
Since starting her practice in Fargo, North Dakota , Dr. Dahl implemented and served as the medical director of the multidisciplinary balance and stability clinic and the home-based primary care program. Dr. Dahl is also an assistant professor of internal medicine and geriatrics and the program director of the geriatric medicine fellowship at University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences.
Joan Danks – Joan Danks brings over 14 years of experience in direct care and leadership across rehabilitation hospitals, mental health hospitals, and skilled nursing settings. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Recreational Therapy and is a nationally Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist. In her role with the Alzheimer’s Association, Joan is passionate about educating communities and equipping caregivers with resources and support to navigate the challenges of dementia care. Her work focuses on empowering individuals and families to find resilience, comfort, and moments of joy throughout their journey.
Nicky Holzworth – Nicky Holzworth, OTR/L is an occupational therapist with more than 26 years of experience supporting cognitive and emotional well-being. She began her career at Mayo Clinic in the Traumatic Brain Injury Program and has specialized in cognitive rehabilitation across a variety of clinical settings throughout her career. Nicky now practices at Essentia South University Clinic and Valley Christian Counseling & Wellness. She speaks throughout the community on topics including sleep, resilience, nervous system health, and practical strategies that empower caregivers and individuals to live well — one day at a time.
Deb Kaul – Engaging with people in the memory loss community has been an interest of Deb’s since she worked as a nurse’s aide in a skilled nursing facility in high school. As a registered nurse, she cared for numerous individuals living with dementia, but it wasn’t until both of her parents developed dementia (Alzheimer’s disease and Lewy body dementia) that she learned first-hand how profound the needs are for these individuals and families. Since then, she has worked to provide high-quality dementia education; sustained new friendships with others who truly understand because they are walking a similar journey; and a safe, welcoming community gathering space for the memory loss community to gather without fear or judgement.
Deb considers the vision and mission of Memory Cafe to be life changing, not only for herself and the active participants of Memory Cafe, but for everyone concerned with improving the quality of life for the growing memory loss community. She finds deep meaning and joy in reminding the world that a person’s beauty and value is intrinsically linked to their humanity–not their ability to tell a good joke or balance a checkbook. The friendships she shares with participants, volunteers, staff, board members, and community supporters of Memory Cafe are deeply gratifying and rewarding for her. Together, we are truly changing the way we think about and support memory loss…that is thrilling!
In her spare time, Deb enjoys spending time with her family (she and Kim have nine precious grandchildren) and friends, gardening, reading, and developing new interests in the world of creative arts.
Agenda
8:00 AM
Registration, light refreshments, Vendor Fair
9:00 AM – 9:30 AM
Welcome & Sing From Your Heart Chorus Performance
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Opening Keynote – Dr. Vijay Ramanan
Updates on Alzheimer’s and Related Neurodegenerative Diseases
10:15 AM – 10:40 AM
Break, Raffle Sales and Vendor Fair
10:40 AM – 12:00 PM
Breakout Session 1
Two Sessions Available:
1. More than a Diagnosis: Living Well with Dementia Panel Discussion with Dr. Vijay Ramanan, Nicky Holzworth, Dr. Lindsey Dahl and Deb Kaul
2. Every Moment Matters: Lessons, Insights & Honest Conversation that Change Professional Care – Jayne Clairmont
12:00 PM – 12:45 PM
Lunch, Raffle Sales and Vendor Fair
12:45 PM – 1:15 PM
Break and Movement & Motivation with Coach Jake & Message from Board President, Mike Slette
1:15 PM – 2:30 PM
Breakout Session 2
Three Sessions Available:
1. Advancing Dementia Care: A Provider-Focused Discussion
2. The Empowered Caregiver: Supporting Independence in Professional Care, with Joan Danks
3. Living Well, One Day at a Time: Practical Tips for Dementia Wellbeing with Nicky Holzworth
2:30 PM – 2:50 PM
Break, Raffle Sales and Vendor Fair
2:50 PM – 3:15 PM
Testimonials & Message from Executive Director, Maggie Ness
3:15 PM – 4:30 PM
Closing Keynote Session – Jayne Clairmont
Forty-Four Years of Dementia Knowledge: Mistakes Made and Lessons Learned
4:00 PM
Raffle Drawings and Final Thank You
4:30 PM
Adjourn
Conference Pricing
(Price does not include processing fees)
| Cost | Before May 13 | After May 13 |
| Community Members | $70 | $90 |
| Community Group Rate | $300 – fill a table of 6 | |
| Professionals | $100 | $120 |
| Professional Group Rate | $510 – fill a table of 6 |
Education Credits: The Activity has been approved for up to 4.5 credits AMA PRA Category 1 credits/ANCC contact hours
People who are forgetting should not be forgotten.