In this Community Resource Podcast episode, special host Paula Bell sits down with Keesha Ward, Director of Development at the Alzheimer’s Association in Iowa, to break down Alzheimer’s, dementia, and where families can turn for support.
Keesha explains the difference between dementia and Alzheimer’s, why language matters, and how stigma and confusion keep people from getting help. She also shares how the Alzheimer’s Association connects Iowans to resources at no cost, including more than 60 support groups across the state and major research investments at the University of Iowa.
If you support a loved one with memory loss, work in healthcare, or care about community health, this conversation provides you with practical next steps and real resources you can use today.
Hosted by My City My Health Presents: The Community Resource Podcast. Recorded live at the My City My Health Conference.
Show notes
About this episode
- Guest: Keesha Ward, Director of Development, Alzheimer’s Association (Iowa)
- Host: Paula Bell
- Event: My City My Health Presents: The Community Resource Podcast
- Recorded at: My City My Health Conference
What you will learn
- What dementia is and how Alzheimer’s fits under the dementia umbrella
- Why people often use “Alzheimer’s” and “dementia” interchangeably
- How the Alzheimer’s Association supports Iowans at no cost
- Who support groups are for and how they help
- How research funding in Iowa supports future treatments and care
Key points from the conversation
- Dementia is the broad category. Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia.
- The Alzheimer’s Association focuses on connecting people to resources and care at no cost.
- There are more than 60 support groups across Iowa for:
- Caregivers
- People living with dementia, including Alzheimer’s
- Family members
- Community members who want to understand and support
- The Association invests over one million dollars in research at the University of Iowa.
- Support groups are not limited to one type of person or one demographic. They are spaces for anyone impacted by dementia.
- Keesha encourages people to reach out early instead of waiting until a crisis.
How to get help
- Alzheimer’s Association website: https://www.alz.org
- Use the “Find Your Local Chapter” tool to filter by state and city
- Look up support groups, education, and local services
- Ask about:
- Caregiver support groups
- Groups for people living with dementia
- Education programs and community events
- Connections to local resources in your area
About our guest
- Keesha Ward is the Director of Development for the Alzheimer’s Association in Iowa.
- She previously ran Ward Creative Studios as a photographer and has a long history of serving the community.
- In her current role, she focuses on raising awareness, supporting families, and expanding access to research and resources across the state.
About the Community Resource Podcast
- My City My Health Presents: The Community Resource Podcast highlights vendors, partners, and organizations that serve our communities.
- Each episode gives you:
- A real conversation with a local resource
- Clear information on what they offer
- Direct ways to access services and support
Connect with My City My Health
What is The Community Resource ?
Welcome to The Community Resource, the official podcast of the My City My Health Conference! Join us as we shine a spotlight on the incredible vendors, organizations, and service providers who are making a real difference in our community's health and well-being.
In each episode, we sit down with conference vendors to explore the vital services and resources they offer—from healthcare and mental health support to nutrition, fitness, social services, and beyond. Whether you're looking for help, want to connect with local resources, or simply want to learn more about what's available in your community, this podcast is your guide.
This year, we're honored to have Paula Bell as our special guest host. Paula is a CBAP-certified Master Life Coach, Career Development Coach, and Motivational Speaker with deep expertise in Business Analysis, Project Management, Inclusion & Belonging, Leadership, and Career & Self Growth. Her insightful conversations will help you discover not just what services are available, but how they can truly transform lives and strengthen our community.
Subscribe now and discover the resources that can help you and your loved ones thrive. Because when we know what's available, we can all live healthier, more connected lives.
The Community Resource—Connecting you to care, one conversation at a time.