Virtual forum to offer insights into dementia research

People interested in learning about the latest in Alzheimer’s and dementia research will want to clear their schedules from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 11, to attend the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter’s Virtual Research Forum.

The free event will feature presentations by three prominent researchers, including Dr. Rebecca Edelmayer, director of scientific engagement for the Alzheimer’s Association; Dr. Miguel Arce Rentería, associate research scientist at Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain and the Department of Neurology at Columbia University Medical Center; and Dr. Yunglin Gazes, assistant professor in the Cognitive Neuroscience Division in the Neurology Department at Columbia University Medical Center.

Gazes will also be presented with the Margaret M. Cahn Research award for her work utilizing neuroimaging techniques to understand the mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease. The Margaret M. Cahn Research Award is presented to an outstanding Alzheimer’s researcher in the Hudson Valley Chapter’s territory. It is named after Margaret M. “Peg” Cahn, a longtime supporter of the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter.

“We are very excited about this year’s Research Forum,” said Stacey Rosenbluth, care consultant and director of family education for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter, as well as one of the event organizers. “Rebecca Edelmayer from the Alzheimer’s Association will be doing a broad stroke overview that may cover blood tests, early-life markers, brain/COVID-19 and vaccines.”

Rosenbluth said Rentería’s presentation on bilingualism and literacy in relation to dementia/cognitive aging will be both interesting and timely, as the Alzheimer’s Association is focused on increasing its understanding of how underserved populations are affected by dementia.

“We are very excited to hear from our Margaret M. Cahn awardee, who will be speaking on neuroimaging techniques to understand underlying determinants of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias,” Rosenbluth said. “All three panelists come with a wealth of knowledge, and we are especially looking forward to the Q&A section” where people can ask questions.

Also speaking at the event will be Rep Mondaire Jones, U.S. representative for New York’s 17th congressional district, which includes most of central and northwestern Westchester County and all of Rockland County.

After the Q&A, there will be a 30-minute lunch break from 12:30-1 p.m., followed by an educational program on COVID-19 and Caregiving. Those interested in attending this breakout session will need to register for it separately when signing up for the forum.

To register for the Research Forum, click here or call the Alzheimer’s Association at 800.272.3900.

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 leads the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support. Its vision is a world without Alzheimer’s and all dementia. Visit alz.org.