Every three seconds, someone in the world develops dementia. For many families, that moment arrives without warning, bringing uncertainty, questions, and the urgent need for guidance. What if more people felt prepared before that moment came? On Thursday, April 23, 2026, the James L. West Center for Dementia Care invites community members to gather for a meaningful and proactive conversation at our annual educational luncheon, Know It Before You Need It. Held at River Crest Country Club, this event is designed to equip individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate dementia and aging with greater confidence and clarity. This is not a typical fundraising event. It is an education-first experience grounded in compassion, expertise, and the belief that informed communities create better outcomes for people living with dementia.
At the James L. West Center, we see every day how understanding changes everything. When people feel prepared, they are better able to respond with intention, patience, and dignity.
During the luncheon, attendees will hear from prominent community voices alongside dementia care experts who bring meaningful, real-world experience. Together, these perspectives will offer practical insight and shared understanding, whether you are currently supporting a loved one or simply planning ahead.
The program will include an engaging, TED Talk-style presentation designed to inform and inspire. Topics will include:
• Early signs of cognitive changes
• Practical approaches that help reduce stress for families and loved ones
• Brain health as an essential part of lifelong wellness
This event is rooted in a simple but powerful idea. Education reduces fear. When we understand what may lie ahead, we are better prepared to face it with steadiness and compassion. As part of the program, guests will be invited to support the mission of the James L. West Center for Dementia Care through a voluntary donation. These contributions directly impact the ability to provide innovative care, education, and support for families navigating dementia. Participation is entirely optional, and every gift, regardless of size, helps extend this vital work.
For those who wish to continue learning, attendees are also invited to a follow-up experience on May 19 titled Brain Health in Action: Simple Strategies and Neurobics for Everyday Life. This session will offer practical, easy-to-apply techniques that support cognitive wellness in daily routines, reinforcing the idea that brain health is something we can nurture at every stage of life.
Opportunities to participate in the luncheon are limited, with table-host sponsorships available that include seating for 10 guests, valet parking, and invitations to future events. These hosted tables provide a meaningful way to bring friends, colleagues, or clients into an important conversation that impacts us all.
At its heart, Know It Before You Need It is about empowerment. It is about replacing uncertainty with understanding and fear with preparation. It is about honoring the dignity of every person living with dementia by ensuring their caregivers feel supported and informed. We hope you will join us for this important event. Together, we can build a more knowledgeable, compassionate community, one that is ready not just to respond to dementia, but to face it with confidence, care, and hope. For those who would like to learn more or reserve a seat, please visit:
https://www.jameslwest.org/know-it-before-you-need-it/ or call 817-877-1199.
About the James L. West Center for Dementia Care For 33 years, the James L. West Center for Dementia Care, a not-for-profit organization, has served those impacted by dementia. Established by Eunice West in honor of her late husband, James L. West, who passed away from dementia, the Center continues to build on its excellence in compassionate care and caregiver and dementia education by expanding its service lines to meet the community’s needs. The Center offers residential care, a Senior Day Program, Short-Term Respite Care, Short-Term Rehabilitation, Home Care, and professional and family caregiver education, which was recently rebranded as Dementia-IQ Powered by James L. West. Jaime Cobb-Tinsley, Vice President of Community & Professional Education at the West Center for the past 14 years, has led the Center’s recognition as a national leader in dementia and Alzheimer’s education.
