Alzheimer's forum to explore latest research

TARRYTOWN - The Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter will hold a free research forum at Abigail Kirsch at Tappan Hill Mansion from 8:30-11:30 a.m. Monday, April 8.

The event, which will feature presentations by three dementia researchers as well as an informal discussion, is open to family caregivers of people with dementia, professionals in the field and the general public.

Featured speakers include Rebecca Edelmayer, Ph.D. director of scientific engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association; Nicole Schupf, Ph.D., professor of epidemiology at Columbia University Medical Center and recipient of the Margaret M. Cahn Research Award; and Stephen Ginsberg, Ph.D., associate professor, Nathan Kline Institute, Departments of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, NYU Neuroscience Institute. Schupf will also be presented with the Margaret M. Cahn Research Award, which is awarded annually to an exceptional Alzheimer’s researcher in the Hudson Valley.

Edelmayer, whose talk is titled, “Advancing the Science: The Latest in Alzheimer’s Research,” said she is excited to be a part of the event.

“I’m passionate about medical research, because I know it has the potential to save lives,” Edelmayer said. “I participate in events like this frequently because it is a perfect opportunity to educate, engage and converse with individuals interested in Alzheimer’s and dementia research.”

She said her talk would focus on advances in understanding the biology behind the disease.

“These advances are driving the development of tests to detect Alzheimer’s disease and to identify individuals most at risk for developing dementia. There are a diverse array of medicines under investigation, and we’ve seen promise in lifestyle interventions to slow cognitive decline and maybe dementia,” Edelmayer said.

Even with all these promising advances, she noted that fully unraveling the mystery of Alzheimer’s remains a huge hurdle.

“Alzheimer’s is a complex disease, and the brain is a complex organ. Solving Alzheimer’s disease is probably the biggest challenge medical science faces this century,” she said. “I’m confident that better treatments, earlier detection, and prevention strategies will be available in the foreseeable future. But the speed with which those achievements occur is directly related to the commitment to Alzheimer’s and dementia research.”

Click here to RSVP for the event or call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900.

The Alzheimer’s Research Forum is supported in part by a grant from the New York State Department of Health.

About the Hudson Valley Chapter

The Hudson Valley Chapter serves families living with dementia in seven counties in New York, including Duchess, Orange, Putnam, Rockland, Sullivan, Ulster, and Westchester. To learn more about the programs and services offered locally, visit alz.org/hudsonvalley.

About the Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association is the leading voluntary health organization in Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Its mission is to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research; to provide and enhance care and support for all affected; and to reduce the risk of dementia through the promotion of brain health. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s. These programs are supported in part by a grant from the New York Department of Health. Visit www.alz.org or call 800.272.3900.