Niki Kapsambelis
Niki Kapsambelis, author of The Inheritance: A Family on the Front Lines of the Battle Against Alzheimer’s Disease, will speak at the Casper College Goodstein Foundation Library on Tuesday, November 7, with the presentation beginning at 1 p.m. In addition to Kapsambelis, the presentation will also feature Robin McIntyre, a member of the DeMoe family featured in the book, and Kelly Shipley, who has her master’s in social work and is a licensed clinical social worker.
Kapsambelis will speak later that same evening at 6 p.m. at the Natrona County Library with Robin McIntyre, as well as Steve McIntyre (Robin’s father). Their presentation will be followed by a panel discussion including the author, the DeMoe family members, and Wyoming Neurologic Associates Dr. David Wheeler, M.D., Ph.D., and Chairman of Wyoming Dementia Care.
The Inheritance tells the story of the progression of an autosomal dominant genetic mutation plaguing one North Dakota family with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease for generations while balancing the anecdotal stories with detailed research information and history of the disease from its discovery to present.
Robin McIntyre, who has tested positive for the genetic mutation and is guaranteed to develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease just as her mother and other family members have, will be sharing her story alongside Kapsambelis. The two will create “an unparalleled opportunity for the Casper Community to learn about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease,” which in its early onset form affects people in their 30s, 40s, and 50s.
The Casper College event is free and open to the public. Registration will begin at noon followed by Kapsambelis and McIntyre at 1 p.m who will present “Heroes Among Us: How Everyday People are Changing the Course of Alzheimer’s History.” At 2, Shipley will present on “The Importance of Supporting Caregivers in Our Community” followed by a panel question and answer session at 2:30. In addition to the presenters the panel will also feature Steve McIntyre. Continuing Education Units are available for those attending.
The Natrona County Library event is free and open to the public with refreshments provided. Seating is limited, available on a first come, first served basis. Copies of Kapsambelis’ book will be available for purchase, which she will sign following her talk. Ten percent of the proceeds will be donated to Wyoming Dementia Care.
Kapsambelis’s appearance at Casper College is hosted by Wyoming Dementia Care and the Casper College Goodstein Foundation Library. Other sponsors of the event include Mountain Plaza Assisted Living, Central Wyoming Counseling Center, and the University of Wyoming Center on Aging. The Natrona County Library program is sponsored by the University of Wyoming Center on Aging, Mountain Plaza Assisted Living, Natrona County Library, AARP, and Wind City Books.
For more information on either event, call the Natrona County Library at (307) 237-4935 or the Casper College Goodstein Foundation Library at (307) 268-2269. The Goodstein Foundation Library is located on the Casper College campus at 125 College Dr. The Natrona County Library is at 307 E. 2nd St.