I'm Still Here Foundation Leaders to Present at the GIA Conference on Redefining Dementia Innovation

Lexington, MA—August 27, 2026—This October, leaders from the I’m Still Here Foundation (ISHF) will join the national spotlight at the Grantmakers in Aging (GIA) Conference in Denver from October 20 to 23. The session, titled “The Virtuous Cycle: How Research, Philanthropy, and Inclusion Are Redefining Dementia Innovation,” will feature ISHF’s Founder Dr. John Zeisel, Executive Director Sharon Johnson, and Board Member John Reinhart.

At the GIA Conference, thought leaders from across the aging and healthcare sectors will convene to share new ideas, strategies, and innovations for improving the lives of older adults. In their presentation, ISHF panelists will reframe the conversation around dementia, offering a vision that prioritizes dignity, connection, and purpose over traditional models focused on decline.

Dr. Zeisel, an internationally renowned dementia expert and the author of I’m Still Here: A New Philosophy of Alzheimer’s Care, will discuss his pioneering approach to engagement, which treats dementia as a matter of social inclusion rather than decline. “When communities intentionally adapt environments, programming, and attitudes, people living with cognitive challenges can remain active participants in life,” he explained. “This shift moves beyond caregiving to foster belonging, dignity, and meaningful participation.”

Joining him is Johnson, who brings over 25 years of leadership in dementia engagement and a unique ability to translate research into practice. Johnson, who has worked alongside Zeisel for two decades, will focus on how philanthropic investments can scale from pilot programs to sustainable, replicable care models.

“Our mission is to create programs that don’t just work in one place but can thrive in any community,” she said. “This is about proving that people living with dementia can live well and helping organizations design programs that meet people where they are.”

The panel will also feature ISHF’s newest Board Member, John Reinhart, a serial entrepreneur and healthcare executive who also serves as a part-time entrepreneur in residence (EIR) for the NIA.

Speaking to the role of philanthropy as a catalyst for innovation, Reinhart said, “Philanthropy takes evidence-based research and translates it into impact. Where research measures outcomes, philanthropy mobilizes action and scales solutions. If a program doesn’t scale, its impact will always be limited.”

For Reinhart, representing ISHF at the conference is particularly meaningful, as he acknowledged his mother’s experience living with dementia helped shape his views on the importance of dignity and engagement in care.

“This isn’t just about solving problems—it’s about creating opportunities for people to live full, meaningful lives,” he said. “My goal at GIA is to help philanthropists see where their impact can be most beneficial in helping people age well.”

Together, the three panelists will illustrate how research-informed seed grants can drive systemic change, enabling communities to implement programs that support creativity, connection, and inclusion for people living with dementia. The discussion will also highlight ISHF’s “Hope in Action” philosophy, which underscores the Foundation’s work to demonstrate that people can continue to live well throughout their dementia journey.

The Grantmakers in Aging Conference will take place in Denver from October 20 to 23, 2026, with the ISHF panel scheduled during the conference’s main program.

Founded in 1995, the I’m Still Here Foundation is a nonprofit that helps communities and organizations implement research-informed, non-pharmacologic engagement programs so people living with dementia can experience connection, dignity, and hope. To learn more, visit imstillhere.org.