On December 5, 2025, Chicago Scots convened a Leadership Symposium in partnership with The Center for Gerontology at Concordia University Chicago, bringing together preeminent blue-chip organizations and universities from Scotland and the United States to examine the current state and future of brain health and dementia care. As the prevalence of dementia is projected to rise significantly in coming decades, the symposium emphasized the urgent need for innovation, collaboration, and compassionate leadership across research, policy, and practice.
The program featured a keynote address by The Right Honourable Henry McLeish, former First Minister of Scotland and Ambassador for Alzheimer Scotland, who shared reflections from his personal and professional journey and highlighted Scotland’s pioneering national approach to dementia care. Moderated by Gus Noble OBE, President & CEO of Chicago Scots and Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care, the day fostered rich dialogue across disciplines.
Sessions explored the big-picture implications of population aging; the critical role of policy, advocacy, and legal frameworks; and the influence of architecture, nature, and community design on well-being. Additional discussions focused on lifestyle, culture, and equity in care, drawing attention to underrepresented communities and the lived experience of caregivers.
Together, the symposium reinforced a shared commitment to advancing brain health and building a more inclusive, innovative future for individuals and families affected by dementia.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Henry McLeish
Former First Minister of Scotland
Ambassador, Alzheimer Scotland
MODERATOR
Gus Noble OBE
President & CEO
Chicago Scots
Caledonia Senior Living & Memory Care
Setting the Scene
A big picture look at implications associated with individual and population aging.
SPEAKER
Dr. Stuart Jay Olshansky
Professor, School of Public Health
University of Illinois at Chicago
Biodemography and Gerontology
Panel #1: Policy, Advocacy, and the Law
The dementia and memory care sector must continually evolve to meet the growing needs of society. Achieving this progress begins with strong policy and legal foundations. What does an effective, top-down framework look like? How can we better inform, engage, and empower communities? How does our community advocate for the right policies both today and in the years ahead?
SPEAKERS
Delia Jervier
Regional Vice President, Executive Director
Alzheimer’s Association Illinois
James Pearson
Deputy Chief Executive
Alzheimer Scotland
Brandon Peck
Partner
Peck Ritchey, LLC
Panel #2: Architecture, Nature, and Community
As science deepens our understanding of brain health, innovation is also transforming how we engage with – and design – spaces for care to support those facing memory loss. From architecture to community planning, the built, natural and social environments we create and live within can profoundly influence well-being. What success can be found at the intersection of care, design, and culture?
SPEAKERS
Lesley Palmer
Professor of Ageing and Dementia Design
Dementia Services Development Centre
University of Stirling, Scotland
Dr. Raj Shah
Professor, Family & Preventive Medicine
Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center
Rush University Medical Center, RUSH
Dr. David Victorson
Professor of Medical Social Sciences, and Director of the Flourishing in Society and Health Research Lab in the Feinberg School of Medicine at Northwestern University
Panel #3: Lifestyle, Culture, and the Future of Care
Dementia is a universal condition, but its impact is deeply shaped by cultural, social, and economic factors. How do different communities navigate this journey? Who remain underrepresented or unseen, and what wisdom can we draw from caregivers who confront these challenges every day? How does lifestyle and nutrition affect brain health?
SPEAKERS
Dr. Paul A. Cox
Executive Director
Brain Chemistry Labs
Ethnobotany and Drug Discovery
Tessa Garcia McEwen
AM, LCSW, CDP
Quality of Life & Family Support Services
The Memory Center
University of Chicago Medicine
Lisa Peters-Beumer
Director of Operations, The Center for Gerontology
Executive Director, Kott Gerontology Scholars Program
Every year at our Scottish Festival & Highland Games, the Chicago Scots feature a family or an organization as our Honored Clan. This year, to recognize and celebrate its’ strong Scottish roots, our Honored Clan is Rotary International. We are proud to announce that Rotary International’s Scottish President, Gordon McInally has agreed to lead our Parade of Tartans at 12:30 p.m. Gordon will also receive the Salute to the Chieftain from the Massed Pipe Bands at approximately 6.30pm on Saturday, June 15, 2024.