Physician assistant Kendall M. Wasz, PA-C, has joined the memory care team at Norton Neuroscience Institute. Kendall holds Master of Science degree in physician assistant studies from the University of Kentucky, Lexington, and earned her bachelor’s degree at Miami University, Oxford, Ohio.

Kendall brings a deeply personal and compassionate approach to the field of dementia care, shaped by her own experiences and a strong commitment to improving the lives of patients and their families. Her journey into this specialty was profoundly influenced by her mother’s Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, which ultimately led to her passing in 2017.

“Her diagnosis had a significant impact on me, and once I worked through the grief of losing her, I decided that I wanted to go into this specialty to help patients and families living with this very difficult diagnosis,” Kendall said.

In addition to her mother’s experience, Kendall’s close involvement in the care of her aunt, who is currently living with dementia, has enriched her understanding of the disease from both a medical and emotional perspective.

Kendall believes that effective dementia care requires recognizing and addressing the needs of both the patient and their caregivers. This holistic approach ensures that support extends beyond medical treatment to encompass emotional and practical assistance for families navigating the complexities of dementia.

Outside of her professional life, Kendall is an avid runner and enjoys practicing hot yoga. She is a strong advocate for the role of diet and physical exercise in both preventing and managing dementia. Her personal commitment to a healthy lifestyle reflects her belief in the importance of leading by example. While she strives to make healthy choices, she also embraces the idea of enjoying life’s little pleasures.

“I believe in moderation, like enjoying a slice of cake,” she said. “I think those moments are essential for a balanced and fulfilling life.”

A motto that resonates deeply with Kendall is: “progress, not perfection.” She emphasizes that lifestyle changes should focus on making consistent, positive choices rather than striving for unattainable perfection. She believes that by fostering enjoyable and sustainable habits, patients can achieve long-term success in managing their health.

Kendall is excited about the evolving landscape of dementia prevention and treatment. She anticipates that advances in biomarker technology and disease-modifying treatments will transform approaches to dementia care, much like the advancements seen in the management of cardiovascular diseases. She also remains a staunch advocate for the importance of addressing lifestyle factors.

In her practice, Kendall values building strong relationships with her patients.

“I love getting to know my patients and their stories,” she said.

She views herself as a supportive teammate in each patient’s journey, with the understanding that the patient’s own efforts and decisions are key to successful outcomes. Her role is to motivate and empower patients with the knowledge and resources they need to make meaningful changes in their lives.

Kendall is dedicated to making a positive impact in the field of dementia care through a blend of personal empathy, professional expertise and a forward-thinking approach to prevention and treatment.

Dementia Prevention Clinic

Norton Neuroscience Institute Memory Center Dementia Prevention Clinic is for patients interested in learning about their personal risk factors for developing dementia. The clinic is located in the Norton Neuroscience Institute – Brownsboro office, on the third floor of Norton Medical Plaza III – Brownsboro. Patients are supported with evaluation and education to reduce their risk factors as appropriate.