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The 2013 Education and Research Conference: New Directions in Research and Care took place on Friday, April 19 at The Palace at Somerset Park. And there was so much energy among the attendees! It was one of our largest and most exciting conferences to date. Attendees enjoyed in-depth discussions of the latest news in research, treatment and care of Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, which were delivered through an exclusive keynote presentation, plenary presentations, and workshops. The agenda was designed to improve care and expand professional capacities.
Samuel E. Gandy, MD, PhD, was the keynote speaker. Dr. Gandy is the Mount Sinai Chair in Alzheimer’s Disease Research, the director of the Mount Sinai Center for Cognitive Health and NFL Neurological Care, and the associate director of the Mount Sinai Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Dr. Gandy’s presentation was entitled, “Research Advances in Alzheimer’s Disease: Implications for the Future”. He provided a scientific update on the
David R. Barile, MD, was the plenary medical speaker. Dr. Barile is the executive director at New Jersey Goals of Care, and the director of palliative
Dr. Barile’s presentation was entitled, "Decision-Making in Geriatrics: How the Practitioners’ Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) May Impact
Robert B. Santulli, MD, was the care and support plenary speaker. Dr. Santulli is the associate professor of psychiatry at the Geisel School of
Dr. Santulli’s presentation was entitled, "The Family and Alzheimer’s Disease." He discussed the impact of Alzheimer’s disease on the family, as well as the impact of the family on the course of the disease.
Dr. Santulli graciously signed copies of his book, The Alzheimer’s Family: Helping Caregivers Cope, for attendees who purchased his book. The signing lasted about 20 minutes, as many were eager to have his signature.
The afternoon featured six workshops from which attendees could choose one to attend. The workshops were as follows: Approaches to Care: Responding to and Managing Challenging Behaviors; Living with Alzheimer’s Disease: the Younger Individual; Dementia and Driving; Music as a Therapeutic Intervention in Dementia Care; Preparing for Disaster; and The Alzheimer’s Journey: Creating Meaningful Activities.
Conference attendees were greeted by a spectacular and varied exhibition of healthcare companies, agencies, and services, which was so populated a gathering that the display booths wound from the Grand Foyer into the West Ballroom, covering almost every square inch of that area. Several opportunities were scheduled throughout the day for attendees to visit the exhibitors and sponsors, who represented leading healthcare providers and businesses.
Over 100 items were featured at the expansive Alzheimer’s Association display, which were geared to professional enrichment as well as materials attendees might find helpful to share with family caregivers and individuals in the early stages of the disease. The display included books, workbooks, CDs, jewelry, and much more.
Over 40 physicians attended the Physicians Pre-Conference Intensive, which took place on Thursday evening, April 18. The physicians enjoyed two exclusive presentations, one by Dr. Gandy and one by Dr. Barile. The evening gave physicians the chance to discuss the latest in research and treatments. The 2013 Education and Research Conference was a success, and we look forward to next year’s conference! |
