Free Community Symposium on Alzheimer's Disease Set for Oct. 15

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 11, 2011) — The University of Kentucky Sanders-Brown Center on Aging invites the public to a free informational program on Alzheimer's disease from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the Lexington Downtown Hilton Hotel.

The session is part of the inaugural Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia, which runs Oct. 14 -15. The first day of the symposium is dedicated to scientific presentations among some of the country's top experts in aging and dementia research. The second day will offer several presentations designed to present to the general public the latest news in aging and Alzheimer's care.

The community session will kick off at 7:30 a.m. with check-in and breakfast. Participants will first hear from Linda Van Eldik, director of the Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, followed by SBCoA researcher Frederick Schmitt who will present a tribute to the late Dr. William R. Markesbery, long-time director of SBCoA.

Marilyn S. Albert, director of the Alzheimer's Disease Research Center at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, will present, "The Evolution of Alzheimer's Diease: Implications for Early Diagnosis and Treatment."

The second session will offer research updates from five SBCoA scientists and clinicians: Elizabeth Head, Brian Gold, Gregory Jicha, Peter Nelson and Donna Wilcock. They will speak on a variety of topics including early detection of Alzheimer's disease using brain imaging, the importance of brain autopsies, and the role of inflammation in Alzheimer's.

A third session will feature speakers Virgina Bell and David Troxel. Bell and Troxel are co-authors of "Best Friends Approach to Alzheimer's Care." They will speak on "Successful Aging."

The session will wrap up with closing remarks by Van Eldik at noon.

The community session on Alzheimer's is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, call (859) 257-5326.

MEDIA CONTACT: Allison Elliott, allison.elliott@uky.edu