Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia Set for September in Lexington

Get ready, Lexington! Mark your calendars for September 27-28 because the city will be hosting the 14th annual Markesbery Symposium on Aging and Dementia. This event, organized by the University of Kentucky’s Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, promises to be packed with insightful talks and discussions focused on one of today’s most important health issues: aging and dementia.

The symposium is named in honor of the late William R. Markesbery, M.D., who served as the founding director of the Sanders-Brown Center. His dedication and groundbreaking research laid the groundwork for understanding and treating Alzheimer’s disease, making life better for older adults. His legacy continues to inspire research and conversation in this vital area.

Keynote Speakers and Schedule

This year’s event will feature some amazing speakers in the field of dementia research. One of the highlight speakers will be Lisa Barnes, Ph.D., who holds an important role as the associate director of the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center. Joining her is Charles DeCarli, M.D., the co-director of the UC Davis Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. DeCarli’s multiple presentations will take place during both the Friday scientific session and the Saturday community session. Barnes will share her insights during the Saturday session, giving attendees unique access to leading minds in Alzheimer’s research.

The first day, September 27, will focus on scientific advancements, running from noon to 4 p.m. at the Lee T. Todd Building. A standout part of this session is the poster competition, showcasing outstanding research by students and postdocs. Presenting authors must submit their abstracts as soon as possible, as poster space is limited. If you’re a budding researcher looking to share your work, now’s the time to submit your abstract via email to Charlotte Wood at charlotte.wood@uky.edu. Don’t forget, you must also register for the scientific session!

The community session, set for the following morning from 8 a.m. to noon on September 28, will take place at The Campbell House, located at 1375 S. Broadway in Lexington. This part of the symposium brings together not just researchers, but also clinicians, who will share the latest findings and trends related to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. It’s a great opportunity for anyone interested in learning about healthy brain aging and recent developments in dementia research.

A Hybrid Experience

In today’s digital age, symposium organizers understand that flexibility is key. That’s why this year’s symposium will be a hybrid event! Whether you want to attend in person for that face-to-face interaction or prefer the comfort of your home, you can join in via Zoom. This flexibility makes it accessible for everyone, whether you’re a local or located far away.

What to Expect

Attendees can look forward to engaging presentations, lively panel discussions, and lots of opportunities to connect with others who share a passion for improving the lives of older adults. The symposium aims to tackle pressing questions surrounding aging, dementia, and potential treatments, fostering a community that is both educated and proactive about these issues.

This event isn’t just for scientists or academics. It’s also designed for everyone who has an interest in the topic—be it caregivers, family members of loved ones with dementia, or anyone looking to deepen their understanding. The sharing of knowledge is at the forefront of the symposium’s mission, and it’s a great chance to get involved and learn.

Don’t Miss Out!

If you’re interested in attending, make sure to register for both the scientific and community sessions, as spots may fill up quickly. Here’s a recap of the important details:

• Date: September 27-28
• Scientific Session: September 27, noon to 4 p.m., Lee T. Todd Building
• Community Session: September 28, 8 a.m. to noon, The Campbell House
• Registration: Required for both sessions

Whether you’re part of the research community or just curious about aging and dementia, the 14th Markesbery Symposium is sure to provide valuable insights that can enhance understanding and drive important conversations. Get ready to soak up knowledge and make connections that matter! We can’t wait to see you there!