Understanding Alzheimer's and Dementia

Silhouette of human head with missing puzzle pieces.

Keep yourself and your business safe

Lauren Ashburn

Lauren Ashburn.

Wednesday, February 3, 2021
Noon-1 p.m. EST

Alzheimer’s is not normal aging. It’s a disease of the brain that causes problems with memory, thinking and behavior. Learn about the impact of Alzheimer’s, the difference between Alzheimer’s and dementia, Alzheimer’s disease stages and risk factors, current research and FDA treatments available to address some symptoms, and Alzheimer’s Association resources.

About Lauren Ashburn
Lauren Ashburn, LMSW, MSW '16, began as a social work intern focused on education with the Alzheimer’s Association in 2014. Currently, she is a Licensed Master Social Worker and has been with the Chapter as a full time employee since 2016. Lauren is the Director of Education and Training where she supervises an education team and oversees all of the Chapter’s education efforts led by staff and volunteers including caregiver, professional, and community training. In her previous role as the Director of Respite Services and Advocacy, Lauren facilitated and implemented social respite programs for individuals living with dementia. Part of her role was to assist in creating and training volunteer-led respite programs throughout the WNY community. During this time, Lauren also led the Chapter’s faith outreach efforts specifically focusing on reaching faith communities of color in the city of Buffalo. She has over 11 years of experience working in the dementia care field combining social work roles and activities programming in a long-term care setting.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from Buffalo State College and her Master’s Degree in Social Work from the University at Buffalo where she specialized in Aging through participating in the Hartford Partnership Program for Aging Education.