Dementia Care in Alaska ECHO 2026 Statewide Virtual Learning Series

Alzheimer’s Resource Alaska is proud to be a key partner in the Dementia Care in Alaska ECHO, a free six session statewide virtual learning series developed in collaboration with the University of Alaska Anchorage Center for Human Development’s Alaska Training Cooperative and Project ECHO educational programs. We are actively involved in steering this project to ensure the content is practical, relevant, and responsive to Alaska’s unique geographic, cultural, and system level realities.

This interactive series is designed to strengthen the capacity of Alaska’s workforce to recognize, assess, and support individuals living with dementia and their caregivers. Sessions follow the ECHO model and include a brief didactic presentation and a facilitated case discussion, with a focus on evidence informed approaches, communication and behavior strategies, caregiver support, and addressing barriers such as geographic isolation and limited access to specialty care.

The 2026 session dates are February 24, March 10, March 24, April 7, April 21, and May 5. Topics Covered:

• February 24th: Understanding Dementia in Alaska: What It Is, What It Isn’t, and Why Context Matters
• March 10th: Barriers and Pathways in Dementia Care: Navigating Alaska’s Systems, Gaps, and Realities
• March 24th: Best Practices in Dementia Care and Treatment: Communication Strategies
• April 7th: Adapting Dementia Care for Rural and Indigenous Alaska
• April 21st: Dementia with Dual Diagnoses and Comorbidities
• May 5th: Caregiver Assessment and Support in Dementia Care: The Other Patient in the Room

The series is open to care coordinators, case managers, social workers, health services professionals, senior service providers, and anyone interested in strengthening dementia care in Alaska. All sessions are offered free via Zoom and recorded for on demand access through the iECHO platform. Free continuing education credit is available for live participation. Participants are encouraged to submit de identified cases for discussion.

To register, create a free iECHO account and enroll in the series. For questions or additional information, contact chdecho@alaska.edu.