Shedding Light on Dementia: A Vital Public Health Issue

An Insightful Film Event Sparks Conversations During National Public Health Week

In an era when public health concerns have taken center stage, it is crucial to acknowledge and address the growing issue of dementia. As part of National Public Health Week, the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health (SPH) wanted to draw attention to the impact of dementia on individuals and society. The SPH hosted a free, open to the public, film screening of Keys Bags Names Words at the Portland State University Smith Ballroom. This insightful film, directed by Cynthia Stone, aims to shift “the narrative of fear and hopelessness to one of hope and action,” according to the film’s website. Featuring an esteemed panel of local experts with lived experience and passionate attendees, the event marked a significant step forward in raising awareness about dementia as a pressing public health issue.

The event began with opening remarks by Sherril Gelmon, a professor at OHSU-PSU School of Public Health, moderator and former dementia care partner. Gelmon passionately articulated the significance of bringing dementia into the public health discourse. As the film director, Stone provided additional opening remarks to kick off the film feature. At the end of the film, attention shifted to the engaging panel discussion featuring four experts with diverse backgrounds in dementia, research, caregiving and policy.
 

Sherril Gelmon (moderator), Bandana Shreshtha, Daniel Gibbs, Walter Dawson, Dean Paul K. Halverson

The panel included Bandana Shreshtha, the State Director of AARP Oregon; Daniel Gibbs, a person living with dementia and retired professor of Neurology at OHSU; Walter Dawson, researcher and professor at OHSU Department of Neurology; and Paul K. Halverson, dean of the OHSU-PSU School of Public Health.

Gelmon managed audience engagement with the panel, prompting the panelists to share their wealth of expertise and personal experiences, which offered invaluable insights into the complex challenges faced by those living with dementia and caregivers. The panelists navigated through topics such as early detection, access to healthcare services, the narratives around dementia, and the importance of community support networks.

By bringing together passionate panelists, engaged attendees, and thought-provoking content, the event successfully shed light on the urgent need for increased attention, research, and support for individuals living with dementia.