The Memory and Aging Program (MAP) at Butler Hospital had a strong presence at The Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2024, held in Philadelphia from July 27 - August 1. With 12 attendees, 15 poster presentations, and 4 oral presentations, MAP researchers and staff demonstrated their commitment to advancing Alzheimer's research and care.
This year's conference attracted nearly 14,000 attendees and included more than 5,260 scientific submissions, highlighting the global effort to combat Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
Highlights from MAP's Oral Presentations
- The Eye as a Biomarker for Alzheimer's Disease
Jessica Alber, PhD, cognitive neuroscientist at MAP and assistant professor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, presented on the fascinating topic of using the eye as a biomarker for Alzheimer's disease (AD) during the Professional Interest Area (PIA) Day. This presentation explored the clinical relevance of ocular biomarkers associated with AD, including:
- AD pathology markers (Aβ, τ, TDP-43, and α-synuclein)
- Retinal structural changes
- Cell loss
- Retinal angiography
- Lens pathology
The discussion covered both structural and functional imaging techniques in animals and humans, emphasizing their potential clinical implications for AD diagnosis, assessment, and disease monitoring.
- Toward Health Equity for Alzheimer's and All Other Dementia
MAP Outreach Manager Tara Tang participated in a Featured Research Session focused on health equity in Alzheimer's and dementia care. Tang's presentation highlighted MAP's efforts to engage underserved communities in research through three main pathways:
1. Attending health fairs and presentations
2. Joining the Butler Alzheimer's Prevention Registry
3. Participating in APOE "swab parties”
The panel discussion also addressed cultural and social nuances in providing care for underserved and LGBTQ+ communities, the stress of caregiving, improving Black/African American recruitment into studies, and maintaining relationships beyond the recruitment period.
- Digital Assessment Approaches in Primary Care Settings
Louisa Thompson, PhD, MAP research scientist and instructor of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, participated in an IMPACT-AD panel discussion, focusing on the experiences with DigiCog and DigiCog Primary Care studies. These initiatives aim to improve early AD detection through self-administered online assessments, streamlining referrals for treatment, or clinical trials in primary care settings.
- Case-Based Learning: Amyloid Related Imaging Abnormalities (ARIA)
MAP founder and world-renowned Alzheimer’s disease researcher Stephen Salloway, MD, MS, led an interactive session exploring real-world cases of ARIA in patients being evaluated for or treated with amyloid-targeting therapies. This multidisciplinary panel review of cases engaged the audience in decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of considering the whole patient history and involving patients and their families in treatment decisions.
Key Research Advances Shared at AAIC 2024
While MAP's contributions were significant, the conference also unveiled several groundbreaking research findings:
- GLP-1 Drug and Brain Protection: A Phase 2b clinical trial showed that liraglutide, a GLP-1 agonist, may protect the brain from shrinkage and slow cognitive decline in Alzheimer's patients.
- Wildfire Smoke and Dementia Risk: A 10-year study of over 1.2 million Californians found that exposure to wildfire smoke may raise the risk of dementia diagnosis more than other sources of air pollution.
- Processed Red Meat and Dementia Risk: Research indicated that consuming about two servings a week of processed red meat is associated with a 14% higher risk of dementia compared to those eating less than three servings a month.
- Blood Tests for Alzheimer's Diagnosis: Several studies highlighted the potential of blood tests, particularly those assessing phosphorylated tau (p-tau) protein, to revolutionize the accuracy and speed of Alzheimer's diagnosis.
MAP’s Role in Alzheimer’s Research
The strong showing from the Memory and Aging Program at AAIC 2024 underscores the program's dedication to pushing the boundaries of Alzheimer's research and care. From exploring innovative biomarkers to addressing health equity and improving diagnostic tools, MAP continues to play a crucial role in the fight against Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
The conference's overall findings, including the potential of GLP-1 drugs, the risks associated with environmental factors like wildfire smoke, and the promise of blood-based biomarkers, highlight the multifaceted approach needed to tackle this complex disease. As we move forward, the insights gained from AAIC 2024 will undoubtedly shape future research directions and clinical practices in the field of Alzheimer's and dementia care.
Disclaimer: The content in this blog is for informational and educational purposes only and should not serve as medical advice, consultation, or diagnosis. If you have a medical concern, please consult your healthcare provider, or seek immediate medical treatment.