15th Annual Brain Health Forum

2026 Brain Health Forum

October 1, 2026
Location: Oasis Rancho Bernardo

Topic: Reducing Dementia Risk Through Wellness

2026 Brain Health Forum


October 1, 2026
Location: Oasis Rancho Bernardo

Join us for our 15th annual Brain Health Forum. Discover how today's lifestyle choices can help support tomorrow's brain health. Through engaging presentations, expert discussions, and interactive learning, you'll gain practical, evidence-based strategies to promote cognitive wellness, reduce dementia risk, and enhance quality of life—for yourself, your family, your clients, and your community.
Featured Speakers

Learn from nationally recognized experts as they share the latest research and practical strategies to protect brain health and reduce dementia risk.

Dr. Pratiksha Gandhi: Heart-Brain Connection: How Improving Circulation May Help Protect Brain Health

Dr. Aladdin Shadyab: Slowing the Clock: What Longevity Science Is Teaching Us about Protecting the Aging Brain

Breanna Holloway, PhD: Sleep and Brain Health: Simple Steps You Can Take Tonight to Support Your Brain

Dementia Live - Virtual Demonstration
Continental Breakfast and Lunch
Register to Attend
Become a Sponsor
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Ask the Experts: An Interactive Panel Discussion

A multidisciplinary panel of healthcare professionals and community leaders will discuss current issues in dementia care, brain health, caregiver support, and community resources. It includes an opportunity for audience questions and discussion.

Moderator
Joseph Casciani, PhD, Geropsychologist; Executive Director, SDDC

Panelists

  • Laura Barish, Aging and Dementia Care Consultant
  • Dr. James Howard, M.D., Board Certified Physician
  • Dr. Anjali Ghanekar, Professor Emeritus, S-VYASA Yoga University
  • Linda Larson, R.N., Nurse Manager Qualicare

Expert Speakers and Panelists

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Pratiksha Gandhi, MD

Dr. Pratiksha Gandhi is a preventive cardiologist dedicated to helping people improve heart health through evidence-based lifestyle approaches integrated with standard medical care.
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Aladdin Shadyab, PhD

Dr. Aladdin H. Shadyab is an Associate Professor of Public Health and Medicine at the University of California, San Diego, and an internationally recognized expert in longevity science and brain health.
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Breanna Holloway PhD

Breanna Holloway's long-term goal is to develop personalized behavioral sleep health interventions to address modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, with a focus on populations that are often underserved.
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Anjali Ghanekar, PhD

Professor Emeritus at S-VYASA Yoga University, Anjali Ghanekar, PhD has more than four decades of experience in yoga education, human development, and experiential learning.
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Linda Larson, RN

Linda Larson serves as Nurse Manager for Qualicare Home Care and Director of Patient Care Services for Qualicare Home Health.
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James Howard, MD

Dr. Howard is a board-certified emergency physician and has been practicing medicine for over 10 years.
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Laura Barish

Laura Barish is the owner of Aging Planning and an experienced professional in helping older adults and families navigate the challenges associated with aging and dementia.
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Joseph Casciani, Ph.D.

Dr. Joseph Casciani has a 35-year history in aging as a psychologist and manager of mental health practices. He was awarded the first contracts from the California Department of Aging in 1982 to develop mental health training for the state’s nursing homes.

    2026 Brain Health Forum Sponsors

    Platinum Sponsor

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    Lunch Sponsor

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    Become a Member

    Joining the San Diego Dementia Consortium (SDDC) offers several benefits, especially if you're a healthcare professional, researcher, caregiver, or someone affected by dementia.
    Networking & Collaboration

    Connect with professionals from healthcare, academia, research, nonprofits, and government
    Connect with professionals from healthcare, academia, research, nonprofits, and government

    Education & Training


    Access to regular educational seminars, workshops, and events about the latest dementia research, treatments, and caregiving techniques.

    Stay current on best practices and innovations in dementia care.

    Community Impact


    Participate in efforts to improve dementia care and resources in San Diego County.

    Contribute to advocacy efforts and public awareness campaigns.

    Resource Sharing


    Get access to community resources, support services, and research findings.

    Learn about available clinical trials, support groups, and care programs.

    Professional Development


    Enhance your expertise and visibility in the field of dementia care.

    Opportunities for continuing education credits (depending on the event).

    What Our Community Says

    Hear from our members about the impact of the San Diego Dementia Consortium.

    “The San Diego Dementia Consortium’s strength is rooted in its diverse and comprehensive membership, which unites physicians, nurses, assisted living professionals, home care leadership, and community advocates. Addressing the complexity of dementia care fundamentally requires this broad collaboration—from families and communities to clinical and professional leadership—to elevate the concerns of those living with dementia and to standardize expectations for quality, coordinated care.

    The Consortium actively fosters this synergy through its ongoing education series, which delivers cutting-edge knowledge about dementia research, highlights vital community resources, and introduces members to a wide range of essential services. Critically, the SDDC develops joint educational resources with a dual focus: informing clinical professionals about the full spectrum of community-based senior care options available, and similarly educating senior care professionals on the latest clinical information and community support strategies for dementia management.”


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    Jessica Studarus
    Independent Health Insurance Broker

    “I’m glad to be a member of the Dementia Consortium because of its strong commitment to public education and its willingness to partner with like-minded groups to expand impact. Just as important, the Consortium stays focused on its mission, even when there are many competing priorities.

    I’m proud to support that kind of clarity and collaboration.”


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    Joe Casciani, PhD
    Founder, Living to 100 Club

    “The San Diego Dementia Consortium is an incredible resource for everyone, which is why I’m a member. It helped me a ton when both of my wife’s parents were struggling with dementia. It has also reinforced for me the importance of healthy habits—regular vigorous exercise, good sleep, and a clean diet with very few to no processed foods—and just how far these can go in preventing dementia for me, my loved ones, and hopefully, everyone I touch.”


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    Todd Benton
    Owner, BentonWebs

    “The SDDC has been an amazing organization to work with. Over the years, I have learned so much, which helps me be a better resource for clients, friends, and family. I love the many perspectives presented about the variety of treatments and support modalities available today. I will continue to be involved, hopefully for many years to come.”


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    Laura Barish
    Former owner, caregiving company

    “For anyone interested in strengthening dementia education, collaboration, and resources in San Diego, involvement with the Consortium is a practical and meaningful way to contribute.”


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    April Kohnen
    Owner/Director, Griswold North SD

    Join Us in Making a Difference

    Together, we can improve the quality of life for seniors with cognitive issues in San Diego County.
    Phone
    619-719-5935

    Email

    info@sddementia.org

    Mailing Address

    P.O. Box 5010, PMB 40
    Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92067
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