Appalachian Memory & Aging Initiative

04/20/2026

04/20/2026

Our “On the Road to Better Brain Health” initiative is coming to Scott County, Virginia!!

Register here to secure your spot today:
➡️ https://www.eventcreate.com/e/agewell

04/18/2026

✨In our efforts to “Help Southwest Virginians Age Well,” we are currently offering FREE Brain Health Screenings to residents of Lee, Scott, Smyth, and Russell Counties!! This offer is open to those who are age 60 and older, and will be provided locally in each county. ✨

📞 Call 276-289-3020 to secure your spot today!

04/14/2026

Today, we officially launched a grant-funded project, titled, “On the Road to Better Brain Health:
Promoting Healthy Aging and Access to Dementia Care Through a Mobile Initiative.” Dr. Andrea Sartori and Kelley Kinder spoke to attendees of the first brain health education session, which was held in Pennington Gap, Virginia. Our partner agency, the Virginia Cooperative Extension, and their representative, Brandi Pettey, provided the facility, refreshments, and helpful information about community resources. This session will be followed by several visits to Lee County, which will include additional outreach, education, and the opportunity for individuals to receive brain health assessments by Dr. Sartori, who practices as a clinical neuropsychologist. We are humbled and grateful for this opportunity to provide outreach that aligns with our mission of Helping Southwest Virginians Age Well. 💜✨




04/14/2026

Most people want to stay in their own homes as they get older. PACE helps make that possible.

Mountain Empire PACE provides medical care, support services and everyday help so older adults can stay safe, independent and right where they want to be.

For those who qualify for nursing home-level care, PACE offers a way to remain at home while receiving the support they need. Call usl to learn more.

📞 276-523-0599

04/09/2026

Today would have been the 94th birthday of my sweet grandmother (or "mamaw," as we say in my part of Appalachia). We lost her on January 13th, 2022. This picture was taken in November 2018, a short time before her health took a downturn and she became unable to live independently.
She was such a strong, beautiful, and faith-filled lady who instilled in me many of the values that make me who I am today. Walking through those final years with her taught me much about the aging process and propelled me into focusing my doctoral studies and training on the evaluation and treatment of dementia and other aging-related issues. My mamaw was never evaluated for dementia by a specialist and my family struggled to understand the changes that were taking place when she couldn't recognize us, or when she spoke of the little girls in her room that no one else could see.
As I began searching for answers, I wanted to learn how to give a voice to people struggling like she had and to support families dealing with the same issues that my family had faced. I feel blessed to now have the knowledge and training to carry out this mission, and I honor my dear mamaw today and express my heartfelt gratitude for her love and legacy. 💜

~Kelley Kinder, Founder
Appalachian Memory & Aging Initiative

04/07/2026