Annual AD Conference

2009 Annual Conference

Stayed tuned for details regarding the theme, date and location of the 2009 Conference to be held in the Fall of 2009.

2008 Annual Conference: Risk Factors and Commonalities with Other Age-Related Disease

The 2008 Regional Alzheimer's Disease Research Conference was held on October 23rd and 24th, hosted by the UCI Institute for Brain Aging and Dementia in partnership with the Alzheimer's Association - Orange County Chapter and the Alzheimer’s Family Services Center. Aptly titled Risk Factors and Commonalities with Other Age-Related Diseases, presentations focused on a spectrum of topics of great interest to the Alzheimer's disease community, families, care providers, and researchers.

Guest speakers from Columbia University, University of Virginia, UC Davis, UC San Francisco, UC Irvine, and numerous other academic institutions graced our stage at the Irvine Hilton, and educated an eager audience of researchers, caregivers, and patients about the newest discoveries in Alzheimer’s disease research. Several speakers carefully explained how conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular health, and obesity play a role in the risk, onset, development, and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. As we look closely at the complexity of these comorbid conditions, it is also helpful to look at how to optimize treatment and how side effects from such treatments can affect those with dementia. Highlights also included new and exciting therapies, like nicotinamide, and its promising effects in clinical trials. Prevention and risk reduction through physical and mental activity were also discussed, stressing that there are natural and healthy measures that individuals should take in addition to pharmacological approaches. Updates on new imaging and innovative technologies developed for early detection were also shared to demonstrate the value of diagnostic tools. Key concerns like the complications that can arise from hospitalization for individuals with dementia and practical tips for caregivers were extremely informational. In addition, audiences were given public policy updates about the steps that the state and federal governments need to take to advocate in the battle against Alzheimer's disease, and how we can help to make a difference.

With almost 400 people in attendance, the 2008 Alzheimer's Disease Research conference proved to be a great success. Having visitors from all over California and even out of country participate in our conference was a great delight. We were able to share experiences and perspectives with an underlying purpose of creating unity and hope.