Fourth Annual Markesbery Symposium Features Latest Research on the Aging Brain
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Sept. 30, 2014) -- The Sanders-Brown Center on Aging at the University of Kentucky will hold its fourth annual Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia on Friday and Saturday, Nov. 21-22.
The Markesbery Symposium is named in honor of the late Dr. William R. Markesbery, founder and long-time director of the UK Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and an internationally renowned expert on aging and dementia.
More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer's disease (AD) today and millions more are affected by their role as family member, friend or caregiver to those with memory loss. The Markesbery Symposium was established to improve awareness of and education about AD and the latest research on it and other age-related dementias.
On Friday, Nov. 21, a scientific symposium will be held where scientists and physicians will share their research findings through lectures and poster sessions. Featured speakers on include Steven Greenberg of Harvard University; William Van Nostrand of Stony Brook University; and four members of the UK SBCoA faculty: Anika Hartz, PhD; Ai-Ling Lin, PhD; Paul Murphy, PhD; and Donna Wilcock, PhD. Scientific sessions will be held in the UK Chandler Hospital Pavilion A auditorium.
On Saturday, Nov. 22, the general public is invited to the community symposium, where the keynote speaker will be Roberta Diaz Brinton from University of Southern California, who will discuss "Lessons from the 68 percent: What the Female Brain Tells Us about Preventing Alzheimer's Disease in Women and Men.”
In addition, a panel of SBCoA faculty will take questions from the audience about AD, dementia, and brain aging, moderated by SBCoA faculty member Fred Schmitt, PhD. The faculty and their specialty topic are:
- Elizabeth Head, PhD, Down’s Syndrome and AD
- Chris Norris, PhD, Forgotten Cells in AD
- Dr. Peter Nelson, PhD, Not all Dementia is AD
- Dr. Ronan Murphy, What’s New in AD Clinical Trials
In addition, Linda Van Eldik, PhD, SBCoA director, will offer closing remarks.
The community symposium will be held from 8:30 am to noon in the Bluegrass Room of the Lexington Convention Center, 430 W. Vine St, Lexington. A continental breakfast will be served. The symposium is free and open to all, but registration is required.
For more information or to register for the symposium, visit http://medicine.mc.uky.edu/conference/; phone 859-323-6040; or email shmall2@uky.edu.
The William R. Markesbery Senior Star Awards and the David R. Wekstein Centenarian Awards presentation luncheon immediately follows the symposium in the Regency Ballroom of the Lexington Convention Center. The luncheon honors individuals who exemplify graceful aging and serve as an inspiration to others to remain engaged in life and the pursuit of personal goals.
Luncheon tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased by calling the Center on Aging Foundation Office at 859-323-5374. Sponsorship opportunities are also available.