4th Annual Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Symposium

LUBBOCK, TX (PRESS RELEASE) – The TTUHSC Garrison Institute on Aging is hosting an Alzheimer’s disease awareness symposium aimed at helping medical professionals, caregivers and individuals.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2023, 6.7 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. By 2060, this number is expected to reach 14 million. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Each year, it kills more people than breast and prostate cancer combined.

To highlight and address the challenges posed by this disease, the Garrison Institute on Aging at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC) will host several events in November as part of National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. The designation was established by a proclamation in 1983 by President Ronald Reagan to promote awareness and catalyze action against Alzheimer’s disease.

“Alzheimer’s disease not only causes memory loss and changes in mood and personality in patients, but it also takes a toll on caregivers,” said Volker Neugebauer, MD, Ph.D., executive director and scientific director of the Garrison Institute on Aging. “The causes of Alzheimer’s disease are not yet fully understood, but they include a

combination of changes in the brain and genetic, environmental and lifestyle factors. The goal of the Garrison Institute on Aging’s activities during National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month is to educate the community about the disease, early diagnosis, prevention and coping strategies. Neugebauer said.

Events include:

• Presentation for caregivers, health care providers, academics and individuals: Distinguished gerontologist and author Tam Cummings, Ph.D. will be the keynote speaker at the 4th Annual Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Symposium, 8 a.m. 30 to 3 p.m., Nov. 9 at the TTUHSC Academic Event Center, 3601 Fourth St. His presentation, “The Nine Common Dementias,” will focus on the characteristics of each and how they are diagnosed. Community vendors will also be present. Reservations must be made by Nov. 7 for the free public event, which includes lunch. Reservations can be made by calling 806-743-7821 or emailing GIA@ttuhsc.edu.

• Presentations for Caregivers: The November Garrison Institute on Aging Care Partner Academy discussion topic will be “Improving Caregiving Burden, Stress and Grief Before Death in the Family.” The free public event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 2 at the Garrison Institute on the Aging Southwest Campus, 6630 Quaker Ave.

The theme of the Garrison Institute on Aging’s monthly Healthy Aging Lecture Series will be “Wills, Trusts, Probate and Elder Law.” The free public event will take place from 3 to 4 p.m. on November 15 at Carillon Senior Living, Windsong Building, 1717 Norfolk Ave.

• Presentation for healthcare professionals and academics: The Garrison Institute on Aging, in collaboration with the TTUHSC Center of Excellence in Translational and Therapeutic Neurosciences and the Department of Pharmacology and Neurosciences at the TTUHSC School of Medicine, will present a free lecture titled “Neurodegeneration Research: Crossing Borders for Equity,” by Gladys Maestre, Ph.D., professor of neuroscience and human genetics and director of the Alzheimer’s Disease Resource Center for Neurodegeneration Research. minority aging at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. The seminar is part of the Translational Neuroscience and Pharmacology Lecture Series. It will be from noon to 1 p.m. Nov. 7 in the TTUHSC Academic Building, 3601 Fourth St. For more information, including a Zoom link, contact the Garrison Institute on Aging at 806-743-7821 or by email. GIA@ttuhsc.edu.

The Garrison Institute on Aging is the cornerstone of TTUHSC’s collaborative Healthy Aging and Brain Health initiative to help older adults successfully enter and extend their quality years of life. From investigating the causes of neurodegenerative diseases and dementia to serving the community through outreach and education programs, the Garrison Institute on Aging addresses the health issues of the ageing population.

Register for the event, by by clicking here.

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