April Agenda

Improving the Lives of Patients with Alzheimer’s Disease and their Caregivers

It is an incredible time in the evolution of early diagnosis and effective, disease-modifying treatments for Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Additionally, advances in managing neuropsychiatric symptoms that often lead to poor quality of life for Alzheimer’s patients and their loved ones and caregivers are being made. Clinicians, patients, loved ones, and caregivers will find this half-day activity both educational and inspiring.

All sessions will be held in Pacific Time (PT).

Saturday, April 27, 2024

7:00 am - 8:00 am

Can We Intervene in Time? Advances in the Early Detection and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease

Dani Cabral, MD

The advances in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) diagnosis and treatment over the past few years are truly remarkable. Join Dr. Dani Cabral as she provides an update on our evolving ability to accurately detect AD pathology in increasingly less-invasive ways as well as recently approved and emerging disease-modifying treatments that may alter the course of AD. After taking part in this educational activity, attendees will become a part of the nomenclature solution by ceasing use of antiquated terms and adopting updated, neuroscience-centered psychotropic nomenclature.

8:00 am - 9:00 am

Industry Session^†: Rethinking Systems in Schizophrenia: Acetylcholine and Muscarinic Receptors

Christoph U. Correll, MD

This exciting and interactive program will introduce the roles of acetylcholine and muscarinic receptors in schizophrenia, explore how this evolving science builds on our understanding of the pathophysiology of schizophrenia, and discuss what this means for us as providers, and for our patients.

Sponsored by Karuna Therapeutics, Inc.

9:00 am – 9:05 am

Break

9:05 am – 9:35 am

Poster Session^†

TBD

9:35 am - 10:35 am

Home Is Where the Heart Is: Managing Agitation in Alzheimer’s Disease

Amy McLean, DNP

Neuropsychiatric symptoms (notably agitation) are unfortunately often par for the course when it comes to Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Agitation in AD can greatly impact quality of life for patients, their loved ones, and their caregivers and significantly affect decisions regarding institutional placement.

In this impactful presentation, Dr. Amy McLean will sit down with Karen Archibald (a care partner to her beloved husband, Robin, who suffered from AD) as she shares her experience in managing Robin’s agitation and illness progression. Dr. McLean will also describe the neurobiology hypothesized to underlie agitation in AD as well as pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies for ameliorating agitation and supporting patients with AD and those who care for them.

10:35 am - 11:00 am

Live Panel Q&A

Dani Cabral, MD and Amy McLean, DNP

^†The content of all non-CME/CE events (Industry Symposia, Disease State Sessions, and Poster Sessions) and the views expressed therein are those of the presenting entity and not of NEI. These events are not part of the scientific program and do not provide CME/CE credit. By opening a non-CME/CE event, the attendee opts in to receive follow-up information from the commercial sponsor.

Program Faculty

Dani Cabral, MD

Assistant Clinical Professor, Departments of Neurology and of Psychiatry, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ

Dementia Specialist, Banner Sun Health Research Institute, Sun City, AZ

Dani Cabral, MD is a dual board-certified neurologist and psychiatrist specializing in Alzheimer's disease and related dementias and an Assistant Professor for the University of Arizona College of Medicine Departments of Neurology and Psychiatry. She has cared for patients and families living with neurodegenerative diseases and has served as Principal Investigator for numerous Alzheimer's treatment trials. She currently leads clinical trials of investigational treatments, including psychedelics, for psychiatric diseases in Phoenix, Arizona.

Amy McLean, DNP

Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ

Amy McLean, DNP, is a nurse practitioner in the Alzheimer’s and Memory Disorders Program at Barrow Neurological Institute.

Dr. McLean’s expertise includes the holistic care of people with memory disorders and support for their care partners. She specializes in diagnosing and treating patients with dementia and in facilitating conversations with patients and their care partners to provide education and guide families through evidence-based decision-making. She is a member of the American Academy of Neurology; the American Nurses Association; the Arizona Nurses Association; the Hospice and Palliative Nurses Association; the International Society to Advance Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment; and the Honor Society of Nursing, Sigma Theta Tau International.

Dr. McLean earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice and her Master of Science in Nursing from Arizona State University in Tempe. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Oregon Health & Science University in Portland.

Dr. McLean is an investigator helping with multiple clinical trials researching the prevention and improvement of treatment for Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders.