Living Stories: A Moment with Rare Dementia
Chapter One Cafe
9 a.m. to 10 a.m. in the Learning Library Foyer
Opening reception
In Our Words
10 a.m. to 11 a.m. in the Thomson Reading Room - L210 (The Learning Library)
Hosted by Dr. Scott Russell, Nipissing University Chancellor, this session invites the audience to listen, learn, and reflect as a family shares their experiences, insights, and hopes. Clinical neurologist, Dr. Donald Weaver, will also join the conversation to offer helpful clinical perspectives. This unique event places both the person living with dementia and their immediate family supporter at the heart of the conversation, creating a space for learning and understanding.
Room for Thought (Not open to the public)
11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Learning Library Group Study Rooms
30-minute conversations offer a rare opportunity to listen, ask questions and learn directly from those who are living with the realities of dementia. Each “human book” invites open, respectful dialogue to foster awareness and understanding. Limited reservations.
Rare Expressions
1 p.m. to 2 p.m. in the the Learning Library Foyer
Inspired by themes of family life, neurodegenerative decline and support, these young artists from St. Joseph’s Scollard Hall use painting, sculpture and mixed media to reflect on what it means to stay connected across generations. The installation invites viewers to pause, reflect, and engage with rare dementia through the power of art.
Room for Thought (Not open to the public)
2 p.m. to 4 p.m. in the Learning Library Group Study Rooms
30-minute conversations offer a rare opportunity to listen, ask questions and learn directly from those who are living with the realities of dementia. Each “human book” invites open, respectful dialogue to foster awareness and understanding. Limited reservations.
Rare and Young Onset Dementia: Perspectives in Progress
4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. in the Vittorio Fedeli Business Centre (F210)
Dr. Donald Weaver, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FCAHS, will examine the global landscape for public health solutions to prevent dementia, advancements in diagnosis and therapeutics, and innovative approaches to rehabilitation and long-term support.
Piece by Piece
6 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Nipissing Theatre
Inspired by research discoveries and conversations with people affected by rare dementia, this production explores the themes of love, support and human connection. Through the voices of young performers from Almaguin Highlands Secondary School, the play invites the audience to reflect on what rare and young onset dementia means and how it is experienced within the family and across generations
This living library is a collaboration between:
- Rare Dementia Support Canada
- The Learning Library
- Office of Graduate Studies, Research and Innovation
- Almaguin Highlands Secondary School
- St. Joseph’s Scollard Hall
Some of the events from the living library will be recorded to form part of a new learning resource on rare dementia that will be available through the Learning Library, Nipissing University.