Over 7,000 researchers and Alzheimer’s advocates from around the world gathered in Amsterdam this summer for the 2023 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). The AAIC is the world’s largest dementia research conference, providing a great opportunity for students and professionals to learn about the latest research on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. Each year, the conference hosts speakers, research and scientific sessions, continuing education courses, small group discussions, and thousands of presentations. A lot of knowledge and exciting discoveries are shared at this event!
Highlights from the 2023 AAIC:
1. The National Institute on Aging and the Alzheimer’s Association presented recommended updates for the diagnostic guidelines and characterization of Alzheimer’s disease, which were last updated in 2018.
2. The University of Pittsburgh developed a new coil system for MRI machines. This is the part of the machine that the head goes into for a brain scan. This version provides a face opening in the front so participants can see out. It can scan hard-to-reach regions such as the brain stem, temporal lobes, and cerebellum. The new part is specific to 7 Tesla MRI systems, which were just recently given FDA approval for clinical use.
3. Researchers from New York University presented a study exploring the relationship between periodontitis (gum disease), accelerated biological aging process, and worsening cognitive functioning. There were 2,186 participants ages 60 and older. Results suggested participants with periodontitis and greater age algorithms (using KDM-biological age and PhenoAge algorithms) had lower levels of cognitive function than those without periodontitis, meaning gum disease speeds up the biological aging process which leads to a decline in cognitive functioning.
4. Researchers in France have been testing video game-style cognitive screening batteries that can be administered remotely to diagnose dementia. Thus far, results indicate that the program can reveal deficits related to working memory, everyday multi-tasking, and attention. The researchers hope this technology will be useful in rural areas where care may be hard to reach, address the issue of long waitlists for testing, and/or provide the opportunity for elderly patients to complete testing in their own homes.
These highlights have only scratched the surface. You can visit aaic.alz.org/highlights2023.asp to learn more about the exciting discoveries shared at the 2023 AAIC.