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Alzheimer's Association hosts roundtable to discuss latest research, address opportunities to participate

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Tue, Oct 25th 2022 03:30 pm

Speakers include Congressman Brian Higgins, Health Equity Task Force’s George F. Nicholas, research champion Meg Boyce, UB and Dent Neurologic researchers

The Western New York Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association will host a research roundtable from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 3, at City Honors School in Buffalo to share the latest developments in Alzheimer’s and dementia research.

A press release said, “Dementia experts and researchers will discuss the cutting-edge research taking place right in Western New York, and how residents can get involved in studies that may lead to better treatments and supports for families. A Q&A session will follow.”

Congressman Brian Higgins will offer opening remarks and address efforts at the federal level.

Other presenters include:

√ George F. Nicholas, senior pastor at Lincoln Memorial United Methodist Church, founding member of the African American Health Equity Task Force, and chair of the Buffalo Center for Health Equity

√ Meg Boyce, research champion and vice president of programs and services for the Alzheimer’s Association Hudson Valley Chapter

√ Kinga Szigeti, M.D., director of the Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center and Translational Genomics Research Laboratory the University at Buffalo

√ Michelle Rainka, Pharm.D., from the DENT Neurological Institute’s division of neuropharmacology

Andrea Koch, director of education at the WNY Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association, said she hopes the event will increase understanding of what research is being conducted locally, as well as encourage more people to join clinical studies in need of participants, particularly from minority populations.

“People of color are one-and-a-half to two times more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease, but represent only 5% of the participants involved in the research for new treatments,” Koch said. “We understand there is historic precedent for the African American community to be apprehensive about taking part in clinical research, but we hope this roundtable will address many of their concerns and encourage them to become more involved in studies looking for a cure to Alzheimer’s disease.”

To register for the event, visit bit.ly/AlzSci22 or call the Alzheimer’s Association 24/7 helpline at 800-272-3900.

The Alzheimer’s Association is a worldwide voluntary health organization dedicated to Alzheimer’s care, support and research. Visit alz.org or call 800-272-3900.

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