Dementia is currently the seventh leading cause of death and one of the major causes of disability and dependency among older people globally. Early-onset dementia is increasing in people under 65.

By 2050, 153 million people are expected to be living with dementia worldwide, up from 57 million in 2019, largely due to an ageing population.

There is no cure for dementia, but much can be done to support both people living with the illness and those who care for them.

Loretta Downs is a gerontologist who has been working with aging and dying for over 35 years.

She will describe some important realities of this destructive disease using research studies and personal experience. She will explore ways in which having dementia or caring for someone who is losing memory can transform a stressful burden to fertile ground for personal growth.

Loretta is an inspiring and uplifting speaker who is passionate about improving the end-of-life experience. She has published numerous articles, been quoted in articles and books, and interviewed for radio shows and podcasts. Loretta gives advance care planning workshops at LCS, speaks where invited, and offers her services as a death doula.