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Highlights from the Alzheimer's Association International Conference AAIC - Day One 2024
Last week Dementia Researcher attended the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2024, in Philadelphia. This video podcast series brings together the latest insights and discussions from the world’s largest and most influential dementia research conference. Below you’ll find a summary of each day’s highlights along with key takeaways from our expert guests.
Day One: Setting the Stage for Innovations in Dementia Research
Hosted by Dr Francesca Farina, our first episode features a dynamic panel including Dr Annalise Rahman-Filipiak, Dr Merci Best, and Dr Tamlyn Watermeyer. They discuss their respective research areas, from tau protein mechanisms to the neuropsychology of neurodegenerative conditions. The day also covers diversity in recruitment and the importance of community engagement in dementia studies .
Day Two: Exploring Biomarkers and Prevention Strategies
In this episode, Caitlyn Fastenau leads a conversation with Dr Balogun Wasiu, Dr Jessica Caldwell, and Sophia Krix. Key topics include the role of blood biomarkers in early detection, the significance of AI in precision medicine, and the impact of lifestyle interventions on dementia prevention. This episode also highlights the plenary session on bilingualism and cognitive resilience, underscoring the importance of inclusive research practices.
Day Three: Multimodal Approaches and Community-Centric Research
Dr Amanda Heslegrave hosts this insightful discussion with Dr Emily Ho, Dr Darina Petrovsky, and Meenakshi Menon. They explore the importance of multimodal diagnostics, including olfaction and decision-making measures, and the role of music-based interventions for dementia care. The session emphasises the need for non-invasive diagnostic methods and community-centric research approaches to ensure broader participation and impact .
Day Four: Technological Advances and Equitable Healthcare
Guest host Quang Tran wraps up the series with Dr Joe Butler, Dr Shea Andrews, and Roberto A. Guzmán Hernández. They reflect on the conference’s key takeaways, such as the integration of portable MRI scanners for rural healthcare and the implications of genetic risk factors on personalised medicine. The episode concludes with a discussion on the significance of AAIC For All, an initiative aimed at making dementia research accessible to the broader community.
Key Highlights and Themes
- Blood Biomarkers: A promising tool for early detection and monitoring of Alzheimer’s, discussed across various sessions.
- Artificial Intelligence: AI’s role in enhancing precision medicine and identifying early biomarkers for Alzheimer’s.
- Community Engagement: The critical importance of building trust and ensuring diverse participation in dementia research.
- Multimodal Diagnostics: Exploring various diagnostic tools from olfaction tests to portable MRI scanners.
- Preventive Strategies: Lifestyle interventions and their impact on reducing dementia risk, with a focus on equitable healthcare access.
Join us as we navigate through these rich discussions, providing you with a front-row seat to the future of dementia research. Our podcast series offers valuable insights and expert opinions from the forefront of Alzheimer’s research.
For more information and access to the full conference program, visit AAIC’s official website.
