Alzheimer's and Dementia in Practice: Bridging the Gap Between Diagnosis and Treatment - Prescott

By Dr. Sam Downing, MD Dr. Downing has served as a family practice doctor, medical director for Northland Cares HIV Clinic, staff physician at Embry-Riddle’s student wellness center, the first hospice medical director for YRMC and Good Samaritan Society, stints at Arizona Pioneers Home and the VA. Most recently, he was with Dignity Health’s Palliative Care department, spearheading the Cognitive Assessment and Support Clinic, which uses a team approach to diagnose and develop a care plan for neurocognitive conditions such as dementia, depression, strokes and Parkinson’s disease. Dr. Downing’s passion is caring for seniors, with the goal of giving them the best quality of life they can have. With his community-centered approach, he gives talks in the community about brain health and dementia or working with families and patients on the “what happens next” questions of palliative care. Dr. Downing’s kind heart always shines through.

Dr. Lolita Tramel, PMHNP, FNP Founder and CEO of Hearts For Dementia Lolita Tramel is A Doctor of Nursing Practice from Yale University and a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Lolita is also a Certified Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia Care Specialist. With over a decade on the frontlines of healthcare, she has helped countless families navigate the challenges of dementia, mental health, addiction, and chronic illness. Her extensive expertise has been featured on FOX, Hubbard Radio, 3TV, The Daily Independent, and other media outlets, where she’s provided expert insights on dementia care. She is passionate about equipping professionals and families with evidence-based strategies that make a real difference, while also sharing her personal journey and professional insights. In recognition of her profound regional impact, Dr. Tramel was selected as one of PHOENIX Magazine’s "Great 48," an honor celebrating the most influential, innovative, and impactful leaders shaping the culture and future of the Valley. This accolade followed her 2025 recognition as a finalist for the Phoenix Business Journal’s Healthcare Heroes Educator award. Expanding on her commitment to healthcare innovation, Dr. Tramel currently serves as the Chair of the Arizona State Plan Task Force for Increasing Access to Care, Support, and Treatment for People Living with Alzheimer's and Related Dementias. She also leads the Arizona GUIDE Coalition, championing improved dementia experiences and caregiver support networks across the state.

Dr. Sara Geisinger, DNP, AGNP-C, CNRN Barrow Neurological Institute Dr. Geisinger is a nurse practitioner in the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological Institute. She is certified as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and as a neuroscience registered nurse by the American Board of Neuroscience Nursing. Dr. Geisinger specializes in the care of people with Alzheimer’s disease and other neurocognitive disorders. She is a member of the American Association of Neuroscience Nurses, the American Heart Association, and the American Nursing Association. Dr. Geisinger earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice with a specialization in adult-gerontology from Arizona State University in Phoenix and her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff.

Light refreshments provided.