Mark Your Calendars for the 14th Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia in Lexington!

Get ready, Lexington! On September 27-28, the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging is hosting its 14th annual Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia. This event is an essential gathering for those interested in understanding and addressing the complexities of aging and dementia, especially Alzheimer’s disease.

The symposium is named in honor of the late William R. Markesbery, M.D., who was not only a respected physician but also the founding director of the Sanders-Brown Center. His pioneering research laid the groundwork for advancements in Alzheimer’s treatment and improving the quality of life for older adults. His legacy lives on through this impactful event.

This year’s event promises to be particularly engaging, featuring two esteemed keynote speakers. First up is Lisa Barnes, Ph.D., the associate director of the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. She will delve into the latest research and findings on aging and dementia. Joining her will be Charles DeCarli, M.D., the co-director of the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, who will share insights during both the scientific and community sessions. Both speakers are well respected in their fields and are sure to inspire attendees with their research and findings.

The symposium will kick off on Friday, September 27, with a scientific session from noon to 4 p.m. held in the Lee T. Todd Building. During this time, researchers will present their latest work on dementia and aging, with a special highlight being a poster competition showcasing outstanding contributions from students and postdocs. If you’re a budding researcher eager to share your findings, don’t forget to submit your abstract by September 9 to Charlotte Wood. Just a heads up—space for posters is limited, so the sooner you send in your abstract, the better!

The following day, September 28, will feature a community session from 8 a.m. to noon. This session is a fantastic opportunity for clinicians, researchers, and community members to engage in discussions around the latest trends, findings, and insights in dementia research, with a specific focus on Alzheimer’s disease and maintaining a healthy brain as we age. This is especially significant as the importance of these discussions continues to grow alongside an aging population.

For those who aren’t able to attend in person, don’t worry! The symposium is a hybrid event, meaning you can join virtually via Zoom if you can’t make it to Lexington. This flexibility ensures that everyone interested can engage with the content and connect with fellow attendees, regardless of their location.

The venue for the community session will be at The Campbell House, located at 1375 S. Broadway in Lexington, making it a lovely spot to soak in the discussions and share ideas with like-minded individuals who are passionate about aging and dementia.

As we get closer to the dates, make sure to register for both the scientific and community sessions! You can find all the necessary registration links on the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center’s website.

This symposium isn’t just a gathering for researchers and clinicians—it’s an opportunity for community members to learn, share experiences, and discover the latest developments in aging and dementia. Whether you are a student hoping to bring new ideas to the table or simply a member of the community wanting to understand more about these critical issues, the Markesbery Symposium offers valuable insights and connections for everyone.

So grab your calendars, set your reminders, and prepare for an enlightening weekend in Lexington at the Markesbery Symposium. Together, let’s deepen our understanding of aging and work towards creating a healthier future for our seniors.

We can’t wait to see you there!