Free Alzheimer's disease conference to take place on Sept. 17

Howard University researcher, local Alzheimer's Association staff also among presenters

University of Louisville faculty researchers and clinicians with expertise in polypharmacy, caregiving and more will join with a Washington-based geriatric researcher at a free conference examining Alzheimer's disease.

The University of Louisville Schools of Medicine and Nursing join with the Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association to present "The Journey: Alzheimer's Disease and Caregiving" from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 17, at Crowne Plaza Louisville Airport Hotel, 830 Phillips Lane.

Admission, parking and lunch are free to participants but pre-registration is required by Sept. 15 to [email protected] or 1-800-272-3900.

The conference will provide information on the risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, the reasons why certain populations are at greater risk for developing it, and current practices in caregiving.

Opening the event will be Thomas Obisesan, M.D., chief of geriatrics at Howard University Hospital and professor of medicine at Howard University College of Medicine in Washington. Obisesan's research is focused on finding a cure for Alzheimer's disease and disentangling the overlap of cardiovascular disease with Alzheimer's disease risk. The author of peer-reviewed papers and book chapters, Obisesan earned his medical degree from the University of Lagos, Nigeria, and completed a fellowship in geriatrics and earned a master's degree in public health, both at George Washington University.

Also presenting will be:

• 10 a.m.: Robert Friedland, M.D., professor and the Mason and Mary Rudd Chair of Neurology at UofL, "Risk Factors, Prevention, Lifestyle Changes"
• 10:45 a.m.: Karen Robinson, Ph.D., professor in the UofL School of Nursing, "Skills for Caregivers and Interventions"
• 11:25 a.m.: David Casey, M.D., senior vice chair and head of clinical services, UofL Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, "Behavioral Problems"
• 1 p.m.: Teri Shirk, chapter president and CEO, and JoAnna Weiss, education coordinator, Greater Kentucky and Southern Indiana Chapter, Alzheimer's Association, "Community Resources"
• 1:35 p.m.: Demetra Antimisiaris, Pharm.D., assistant professor, UofL Department of Family and Geriatric Medicine, and director of the UofL Geriatrics Polypharmacy Program, "Polypharmacy"

Source: University of Louisville