Tanner Foundation Annual Neurological Symposium
Living Well with a Neurological Diagnosis: Relationships, Resilience, and Real-World Tools
When: November 17, 2026
Where: Vestavia Hills Civic Center
Register at: Tanner Foundation 2026 Annual Neurological Symposium
A difficult diagnosis can change the way you think about your future, your relationships, your health—and even yourself. But it does not change what matters most to you.
At this year’s Tanner Foundation Annual Neurological Symposium, keynote speaker Dr. Beverly Thorn will help us explore how people can navigate life-changing circumstances while continuing to advocate for their health, honor their values, and remain active participants in the decisions that shape their lives.
Dr. Thorn’s book, Before I Lose My Own Mind: Navigating Life as a Dementia Caregiver, grew from her experience caring for her husband through Alzheimer’s disease. But its message reaches far beyond dementia—and beyond caregiving. It is about what happens when a diagnosis changes the life you expected. It is about facing uncertainty, navigating complex healthcare decisions, protecting the relationships that matter, and finding ways to move forward without losing yourself in the process.
These are conversations that matter to people living with MS, Parkinson’s Disease, ALS, and other complex neurological conditions. They matter to care partners and families. And they matter to the healthcare professionals helping people navigate these experiences.
THE FIRST 100 PEOPLE TO REGISTER WILL RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF DR. THORN’S BOOK.
Your complimentary copy will allow you to continue reflecting on these ideas and using them long after the Symposium ends.
A Full Day Built Around Living Well
Dr. Thorn will be joined by neurologist and Tanner Foundation co-founder Dr. Emily Riser for a day of learning, connection, and honest conversation.
Every session is being designed with one goal in mind: to ensure each attendee leaves with at least one practical tool, strategy, or action that can make a meaningful difference in how they experience—or provide—care.
The day will include shared plenary sessions, dedicated programming for patients and care partners, continuing education opportunities for healthcare professionals, practical resources, and opportunities to connect with others who understand the realities of neurological disease.
Registration is free for people living with neurological disease and their care partners.
Healthcare professionals can register for the CE-eligible early-bird rate of $50.
Join us for a day centered not simply on managing a diagnosis, but on continuing to live well—with confidence, connection, resilience, and tools you can use in real life.
We hope you will be part of it!