Join us for this meaningful parent-to-parent conversation on aging, dementia, grief and Down syndrome with Buddy and Carolyn Jones, in collaboration with Down Syndrome Innovations (DSI) and KU Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (KU ADRC). In addition to sharing their family’s personal story, Buddy and Carolyn will encourage other parents to proactively develop a plan for their loved one in anticipation of regression in the aging years and specifically, Alzheimer's disease. 

Buddy and Carolyn Jones have been effective trailblazers and system-change advocates throughout their son's entire life, as well as being mentors and supportive friends to so many parents, service providers, and physicians. Additionally, Buddy and Carolyn have remained in close contact with the teams at Down Syndrome Innovations and the KU Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, providing vital parent perspectives on services, interventions, and research.

Now they have chosen to sit down for an intimate conversation with other parents who could face a similar experience with their aging loved one, and ensure no one else feels isolated or without resources in this stage of the journey.

Both DSI and KU ADRC acknowledge the science that nearly all adults with Down syndrome will develop evidence of Alzheimer’s disease by late middle age, and therefore  our organizations are taking an active role in education, research, services and supports for aging individuals with Down syndrome and their caregivers. At the conclusion of this presentation, DSI and KU ADRC will guide families in practical next steps.  

All attendees are welcome to come at 6:00pm for a casual caregiver connection time prior to the presentation. DSI will provide drinks and refreshments during this time. 

Service providers and medical professionals are welcome to join to learn and observe. However, we will prioritize the questions of caregivers and parents due to time limitations and the goals of the speakers.  DSI is available to all community partners as a resource in the area of aging and Down syndrome and follow-up consultation is available.