Bridging Voices, Building Change, and “Caring for Community” at the Alter Dementia Summit 2025

The following blog describes my experience at the 2025 Alter Dementia Summit in Atlanta last month.

It was a sunny but cool April afternoon in metro Atlanta. As I pulled into the hotel entrance, I could feel the excitement from other guests whose attire proved they were in town for the Alter Dementia Summit.

After checking in, I ordered and ate dinner, relaxed, and made a few phone calls before bed. Exhausted from the drive, I knew sleep was necessary because a long day would be ahead. The next morning, I hurried downstairs to grab breakfast and waited for the shuttle. It was my first dementia summit, and I was excited to hear the latest updates, meet new people, and listen to their stories.

While sipping my coffee, I noticed a woman sitting across from me who was also in town for the summit. We greeted one another and began talking. She had attended the first summit in 2024 and had traveled from Los Angeles. She had the sweetest spirit, and I knew we would continue to make contact for the next three days.  After talking for a while, I realized the shuttle would take longer than anticipated due to the neighboring hotel pickups. I decided to drive and asked her if she wanted to tag along. She agreed, and we got to know each other better during the 20-minute ride to the church. She shared that her church had partnered with Alter to create a “dementia-friendly congregation.”

After getting our badges from the registration desk and walking into the church, positive energy filled the entrance while balloon arches, tables, and retractable banners lined the hallway. Smiles greeted us, and there was literature to address any questions concerning Alzheimer's and other dementias in every location.

I had the honor of sharing a space to display my books with a passionate advocate and minister from Georgia. She was also an author and had taken care of her mom, who had Alzheimer’s. We shared great conversations and supported one another with book sales when one of us stepped away to catch one of the sessions.

The summit was deeply personal and inspiring. Hosted by founders Dr. Fayron Epps, Mia Chester, and the Alter Team, this powerful gathering brought together medical professionals, researchers, caregivers, advocates, community leaders, and even those living with dementia to challenge the status quo around dementia care, diagnosis, and equity. 

It was educational, inspirational, and encouraging, from the opening session to the workshops, the expo hall, and the gospel explosion.

As someone who has walked the caregiving journey for both my mother and brother, I know firsthand how Alzheimer's disease affects not only individuals - but also families and communities. That is why this summit resonated so profoundly with me. It was more than just an event; it was a call to action.

Every presenter, conversation, session, and keynote presentation throughout the summit incorporated the themes of education, advocacy, collaboration, inclusiveness, trust, and equity. This summit didn't shy away from harsh truths about health disparities and the importance of education and resources - precisely what we need more.

I left the conference with more information and a renewed energy to continue advocacy work.  

Upon returning home, I am more committed to ensuring families and caregivers access compassionate, personalized Alzheimer's education and care pathways. This summit reaffirmed my mission to kick fear to the curb and talk about Alzheimer's out loud in every community with courage and compassion.

To everyone I met at Alter - thank you for your stories, wisdom, and bold vision for a better future. Meanwhile, we will continue the dialogue, keep the partnerships growing, and keep the momentum alive.

If you did not attend this year’s summit, I encourage you to visit https://alterdementia.com to learn more about the Alter program and consider joining us in metro Atlanta for the 2026 summit.

In the meantime, like all facilitators, speakers, and attendees, you can get involved by increasing your education and awareness about Alzheimer's and other dementias or conversing with someone you don't know. It's a lot easier than you think. Here are a few questions to get you started.

1. How would you support a loved one or friend who just received an Alzheimer’s or dementia diagnosis?

2. Do you know someone affected by Alzheimer’s or dementia? If yes, what’s your behavior towards them, and do you have to change your behavior?

3. Do you ever think about getting older and being unable to remember?  

It’s not about being right, and there is no perfect answer. Speak from your heart and be honest. Talking about Alzheimer’s helps us learn from one another, support each other, and feel connected to a community that understands. Let’s keep the conversation going. 

Because every month is a great month for Alzheimer's awareness!

Sandra Kiser