CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — A TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa talk has been selected as a TED “Editor’s Pick,” a distinction awarded to only about 0.5% of TEDx talks worldwide. The talk by UNI professor Elaine Eshbaugh will be published on Thursday, Feb. 19.

Eshbaugh’s talk, “The Hidden Connection Between Dementia and Anxiety,” focuses on improving understanding and empathy for people living with dementia. Eshbaugh, a 2000 UNI graduate, is now a professor of gerontology and runs the Dementia Simulation House at the university, a home where individuals use goggles, headphones and gloves to experience what it’s like to live with dementia.

“I’m honored and excited that my talk might start more discussions about how people with dementia can live meaningful lives,” Eshbaugh said. “My hope is that people will think of dementia in a different way. People have told me that what I said helped them make sense of what is happening to their loved one with dementia. Learning and executing small changes can empower people who love someone with dementia.”

Over 1,000 people attended the TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa event on October 25, 2026. Eshbaugh was among 16 speakers who gave talks that day about education, business, technology, social change, innovation and more.

Information about the 2025 speakers and published talks are available at tedxuni.com. 

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Watch Party for Eshbaugh’s Talk

The university community is invited to gather for a watch party on Friday, Feb. 20, from 12:30–1 p.m. in Sabin 02. Media are invited to attend.

About TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa 

TEDxUniversity of Northern Iowa is an independently organized TEDx event dedicated to elevating bold ideas, amplifying diverse voices and inspiring meaningful conversations across campus and throughout the state.