Changes in memory function can be scary but a missed appointment or a forgotten name are not necessarily indicative of something more serious either. During this session, Mr. Crocker will explore typical and atypical memory function as people age, including dementia, and also discuss healthy habits for the brain and body.

Andy Crocker joined Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Family and Community Health Unit in 2003. His role is to support County Extension Agents for Family and Community Health in their efforts to educate older adults, caregivers, and the professionals who serve them.

Mr. Crocker has authored, adapted, and adopted programs to help promote optimal aging with topics including caregiving, fall risk reduction, health literacy, and memory, among others. In addition to his programming responsibilities related to aging, Crocker administers grant projects addressing military family caregiving and building capacity to help support individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He also leads AgriLife Extension’s Master Wellness Volunteer Program, leveraging Extension’s outreach and education related to health, nutrition, and food safety through trained volunteers.

Mr. Crocker is a past recipient of Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Award for Superior Service, as an individual and as part of a team, and a two-time recipient of the Texas Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences’ Specialist Award for Distinguished Achievement.

Mr. Crocker earned a B.A. in Biology (2001) and an M.S. in Gerontology (2002) from Baylor University in Waco, Texas. He is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in One Health Sciences from the Texas Tech University School of Veterinary Medicine in Amarillo, Texas.