Carrie Chiusano Presents at International Dementia Conference
For more than 40 years, Carrie Chiusano has dedicated her career to improving the lives of older adults through compassionate, evidence-based dementia care. This June, she had the opportunity to share that expertise with an international audience at the Global Conference on Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases (DAPD-2025), held in Barcelona, Spain.
As Executive Director of the Dementia Care Center of Excellence at Presbyterian SeniorCare Network, Carrie presented her talk, “Validating Improved Therapy Outcomes in Dementia Care with Evidence-Based Technology,” to an audience of researchers, scientists, clinicians, and healthcare leaders. Her presentation drew upon the 2019 RE²D (Rehabilitation Effectiveness and Efficiency in Dementia Care) study, which she co-authored with Steven H. Zarit, PhD, Distinguished Professor Emeritus at Penn State University and a pioneer in the study of aging and dementia, and others. The study demonstrated how interactive technology can enhance engagement and functional outcomes in rehabilitation for people living with dementia.
Carrie’s warm, practical insights stood out among highly technical presentations focused on pharmaceutical trials and neurodegenerative research. Her message emphasized the real-world impact of person-centered care and therapeutic innovation—core values of the Presbyterian SeniorCare Network mission.
“I was truly honored to be invited,” Carrie said. “During my presentation, I encouraged the audience—who had been attentively listening and taking notes throughout the day—to actively engage by reflecting on and sharing their perspectives on caring for individuals living with dementia.”
She also invited them to consider how they would want to be cared for if they were living with dementia themselves. In addition to the ideas she presented, they explored various types of technology that could enhance care. The session concluded with a dynamic question-and-answer segment, during which Carrie responded to about a dozen thoughtful and meaningful questions.
Having joined the Network in 1984 as a recreation assistant, Carrie has served in various roles over the years, always championing excellence in dementia care. She served for several years as an administrator of Woodside Place of Oakmont, which is noteworthy for being the nation’s first residential community specially designed to meet the physical, mental, and social needs of people living with dementia.
Today, Carrie shares her expertise with providers nationwide and internationally through consulting, education, and strategic partnerships. Recent engagements have taken her to places as diverse as Louisiana, California, Florida, and Missouri, helping other organizations in Making Aging Easier® through informed, compassionate dementia care.
Carrie’s presentation wasn’t just a professional milestone—it was a powerful way to represent Presbyterian SeniorCare Network on the global stage.
Congratulations, Carrie, and thank you for continuing to lead with purpose and passion.