Agenda
Overview
UsAgainstAlzheimer's is renowned for its thought leadership and rich history of uniting people to discuss the challenges and groundbreaking advancements in the prevention, detection, and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Our annual summit exemplifies that commitment. This year's theme, “The New Era of Alzheimer's: What Does It Mean for All of Us?” builds on the success of last year's summit, which explored the latest developments in the field and provided practical insights for healthcare providers. This year, we aim to further translate exciting progress and cutting-edge research into meaningful, actionable strategies for the Alzheimer's community.
Summit Opening Kick-Off - 1:15-1:30pm ET
State of the Movement
George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder, UsAgainstAlzheimer's
Congressional Remarks
Senator Amy Klobuchar, Minnesota
PANEL 1 - 1:30-2:20pm ET
The Patient Pathway: Beginning the Journey with Cognitive Impairment
For many diseases, well-defined diagnostic and care pathways guide patients, doctors, and caregivers through the patient journey. That is not the case for Alzheimer's. This panel will discuss what that pathway should look like, starting from the moment a patient prepares to discuss their brain health with their doctor, through subsequent referrals to specialists and treatment options, to exploring potential involvement in clinical trials. Key Question: What needs to happen so that people with cognitive impairment have a smooth path to a reliable diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and access to clinical trials?
PANEL 2 - 2:30-3:20pm ET
On the Cutting Edge: Clinician Insights on Utilizing Innovative Medications
Clinicians who treat Alzheimer's patients have new medications in their arsenal. What insights have they gained in treating people with these drugs? This panel will delve into their experiences, including conversations with patients and care partners, understanding the benefits and risks, managing side effects, and adapting their practices. Hear from physicians on the cutting edge of Alzheimer's treatments. Key Question: What insights have clinicians gained in treating people with new medications?
PANEL 3 - 3:30-4:20pm ET
Bringing It Home: Successes in Community-Based Public Health
It has been said that health is what happens between doctor's visits. Where and how we live, work, play, and worship matters for our health. This discussion will explore the latest successes in public health and community interventions in reducing dementia prevalence. How are communities preparing for the aging population and building infrastructure to help all of us live healthier longer? This panel will uncover how collective efforts can make a substantial difference in combating the growing public health crisis that is dementia. Key Question: What is the role of public and community health in reducing our risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia?
Day One Closing Remarks - 4:20pm ET
Russ Paulsen, Chief Operating Officer, UsAgainstAlzheimer's
DAY 2 - Thursday, October 17, 2024
Keynote Conversation - 1:00-1:25pm Et
Dr. Dean Ornish, Founder and President, The Prevention Medicine Research Institute with Jon Summers, Chief Communications Officer, UsAgainstAlzheimer's.
From eating better to getting more sleep, there are things people can do to reduce their risk of dementia. Dr. Dean Ornish, one of the foremost authorities on lifestyle interventions to improve health, talks about his recently released researched demonstrating how significant lifestyle changes can not only reduce a person's risk but even reverse the disease's progressions.
Fireside Chat with Rep. Darin LaHood – 1:30-1:45pm ET
Representative Darin LaHood from Illinois talks with George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder, UsAgainstAlzheimer's
PANEL 4 - 2:00-2:50pm ET
Implementing an Effective and Inclusive Biomarker Strategy
Not all brains are the same. This panel will explore how experts evaluate blood biomarker accuracy in diverse real-world populations, including individuals of different races and ethnicities, and those with comorbidities that may affect readings or symptom severity. We will discuss how doctors communicate these results and assess whether we are ready to implement these diagnostics across all populations. Key Question: Are we ready to implement diagnostics across all populations?
Fireside Chat with Senator Mark Warner – 3:00-3:15pm ET
Senator Mark Warner from Virginia talks with George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder, UsAgainstAlzheimer's
PANEL 5 - 3:30-4:20pm ET
Alzheimer's Detection & Diagnosis: Embracing Innovative Technologies and Advancing Equity
Alzheimer's and other dementias are underdiagnosed and often diagnosed late, particularly among women, Black people, and Latinos. At the same time, the latest treatments are most effective early in the course of the disease. This panel will explore how cutting-edge innovations—such as blood tests, digital cognitive assessments, and AI—can enhance detection and diagnosis rates for everyone. Key Question: How can we ensure new diagnostic and AI-based tools for Alzheimer's disease address disparities rather than widen them?
Fireside Chat with Rep Tom Cole – 4:20-4:35pm ET
Representative Tom Cole from Oklahoma talks with George Vradenburg, Chairman and Co-Founder, UsAgainstAlzheimer's
Summit Closing Remarks – 4:35pm ET
Russ Paulsen, Chief Operating Officer, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s
