Dementia: Diagnosis and Treatment in the Primary Care Setting

Thursday–Friday, March 19–20, 2026

Thursday: 12:00 p.m.–5:15 p.m.
Friday: 7:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

UNK Regional Engagement Center – The Core
2204 University Drive, Kearney, NE 68845

This two-day conference will explore key topics in dementia diagnosis and treatment. Sessions will cover diagnostic modalities and their most effective applications, as well as emerging biomarkers for detecting Alzheimer’s disease. Attendees will learn about current treatment options, including anti-amyloid therapies and criteria for identifying ideal candidates. The conference will also address both medication and non-medication strategies for managing behavioral symptoms associated with dementia. Finally, we will highlight resources and support systems available in rural Nebraska for patients and their families.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be better able to:

Describe the diagnostic process for dementia, including key clinical evaluations and diagnostic studies.
Identify appropriate candidates for anti-amyloid therapy based on current clinical guidelines.
Apply both pharmacologic and non-pharmacologic strategies to manage behavioral symptoms associated with dementia.
Determine when to refer patients to geriatrics, neurology, or geriatric psychiatry for specialized care.
Utilize appropriate billing codes and documentation strategies to optimize reimbursement for cognitive assessments in primary care.
Assess decision-making capacity in patients with cognitive impairment within the primary care setting.
Identify community and clinical resources to support patients with dementia and their caregivers.
Demonstrate culturally sensitive communication and care practices for patients experiencing cognitive changes.
Incorporate patient values and preferences (“what matters most”) into dementia care planning.
Recognize how commonly prescribed medications may impact cognitive function in older adults.

Registration Information

Registration Fees

General Registration: $50
Fellows/Residents/Students: FREE

Deadline for registration: March 13, 2026.

Payment Options

Credit/Debit Card: Credit and debit card payments are accepted. A $3 non-refundable processing fee will apply.
E-Check/ACH Transfer: Electronic check (ACH) payments are strongly recommended and do not incur any additional fees.

If you need assistance with online registration, please call our Registration Office at 402-559-5929.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

If you need to cancel your registration, please email registrationCCE@unmc.edu no later than March 13, 2026. A $15 processing fee will apply to cancellations received by this date. Please note that if you paid by credit or debit card, the $3 card processing fee is non-refundable. Cancellations made after March 13, 2026, as well as registrants who do not attend, are responsible for the full registration fee.

Lodging

Holiday Inn Kearney by IHG
110 2nd Avenue, Kearney, NE 68847

A block of rooms has been reserved for conference attendees at the Holiday Inn Kearney by IHG. Discounted rates are available on a first-come, first-served basis until February 18, or until the room block is filled.

Room Rates

(per night, single/double occupancy, plus tax):

Wednesday, March 18: $149.95
Thursday, March 19: $149.95
Friday, March 20: $174.95

To reserve a room, please call the hotel directly at 308-237-5971 and mention you are attending the UNMC Dementia Conference.

Guest room reservations must be canceled by 6:00 p.m. the day before arrival to avoid a charge for the first night’s room and tax.

Hotel check-in begins at 4:00 p.m., and check-out is at 12:00 noon. Early check-in is subject to availability and cannot be guaranteed.

Complimentary breakfast, Wi-Fi, and ample parking are provided for guests.

Conference Director

Cassandra L. Wehling, MD

Assistant Professor

Division of Geriatrics, Gerontology and Palliative Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, UNMC

Supporter

Alzheimer's Association logo

Questions?

Tori Greenlee

Educational Projects Coordinator

Center for Continuing Education, UNMC

Send Email

Phone: 402-559-6235