Highlights from 2024 NEI Synapse: Memories in the Future: An Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease
Saturday, April 20, 2024
Approximately 7 million Americans currently live with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and nearly 13 million cases are projected by 2050; the race is on to advance our understanding and ability to effectively treat or prevent this disease that devastates so many lives. The revolution in our ability to “see” AD in the living brain using neuroimaging, which began in the early 2010’s, has enabled us to devise higher precision, more targeted clinical trials, minimally invasive biomarkers, and even disease-modifying therapies over the past few years.
In her 2024 NEI Synapse presentation, Dr. Dani Cabral enlightened the audience on just how far we have come and the very exciting future of AD diagnosis and treatment. Although genetic testing can predict which individuals have familial AD (thus, will invariably develop AD), the vast majority of AD is sporadic with a variety of factors influencing its onset and course; Dr. Cabral explored those risk factors as well as the evolution of AD diagnostic criteria. Early and accurate diagnosis allows for early and effective treatment. Although there is certainly room for improvement, the exciting utility of available and emerging amyloid-based immunotherapies for reducing AD pathology was discussed, with special consideration for potential amyloid-related imaging abnormalities (ARIAs).
A future where AD is a thing of the past now seems within reach. Until then, it is important that all efforts are made to help those living with AD (and the individuals who care for them) achieve the best quality of life possible. To that end, Dr. Cabral also updated the audience on the latest non-pharmacological and pharmacological strategies for managing the AD-associated neuropsychiatric symptoms that greatly impact quality of life for both patients and their care partners.
Source:
Dani Cabral, MD. Memories in the Future: An Update on the Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease. Presented April 19 at 2024 NEI Synapse, Las Vegas, NV.
To Learn More: The recording of these presentations, as well as all of the other presentations from the 2024 NEI Synapse, will be available as Encore Presentations for NEI Members.