Learn to Spot Dementia Early: Free Broadlawns Medical Center Training

NEWS RELEASE (Des Moines, IA) – Broadlawns Medical Center will host a free training on dementia screening and early detection on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m., available in person at the Broadlawns Medical Plaza (1761 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA) or virtually. The event is open to all—no medical background required.

Register at: www.broadlawns.org/events/early-detection-mini-cog-training

Presented by Dr. Yogesh Shah, MD, MPH, FAAFM, Medical Director of Memory Clinic at Broadlawns, and Anne O’Rear, Dementia Community Care Specialist, this training will guide participants in using the Mini-Cog—a quick, effective tool for recognizing early signs of cognitive decline.

Early detection of memory issues can lead to better outcomes for individuals and families, and this training equips community members, caregivers, and professionals with the tools to recognize warning signs and respond with confidence and care.

What You’ll Learn:

  • How to administer the Mini-Cog, a short memory and thinking skills screening
  • How to identify early signs of cognitive decline and dementia
  • What to do next: referral pathways and follow-up support
  • Why early detection matters for patient and family outcomes

Who Should Attend:

  • Family caregivers and loved ones
  • Nurses, CNAs, and social workers
  • Community health workers
  • Anyone interested in supporting brain health and early detection

Training Includes:

  • Live demonstration and guided practice
  • Educational materials and take-home resources

Event Details:

  •   Date: Tuesday, August 12, 2025
  •   Time: 9:00 – 11:00 a.m.
  •    Location: 3rd Floor Broadlawns Medical Plaza, 1761 Hickman Road, Des Moines, IA
  •    How to Join: In-person or online
  •    Cost: Free and open to the public

This training empowers attendees to make a difference in the lives of those experiencing memory loss—whether in a professional setting or at home.

To learn more, contact Anne O’Rear at aorear@broadlawns.org or 515-675-3152. To register, click here

About Broadlawns Medical Center

Broadlawns Medical Center is a nonprofit healthcare provider committed to delivering coordinated, compassionate, and cost-effective care to our community. Our campus includes an acute care hospital, primary and specialty clinics, urgent care, emergency services, lab, radiology, dentistry, crisis services, and comprehensive mental health care. Broadlawns accepts all insurance types and holds a Level 3 NCQA accreditation, the highest level for a medical delivery model. We also lead in training future healthcare professionals through our residency and fellowship programs. Learn more at www.broadlawns.org.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Christy Gooding, Director of Marketing & Communications
Broadlawns Medical Center, (515) 415.8384, CGooding@Broadlawns.org