View the video: The Biggs institute: Transforming the treatment of dementia to serve South Texas families
More than 200 people gathered at the Tobin Center in downtown San Antonio Feb. 24 to hear the latest news and research about Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The event was sponsored by UT Health San Antonio’s Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases and the Alzheimer’s Association.
The dialogue centered on protecting your brain from Alzheimer’s and the role of sleep, stress, diet and exercise.
The session was moderated by Texas Public Radio’s David Martin Davies. Speakers and panelists included Sudha Seshadri, M.D., founding director of the Biggs institute, William L. Henrich, M.D., president of UT Health San Antonio, Maria Carrillo, Ph.D., chief science officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, plus research scientists in Alzheimer’s and other neurodegenerative diseases from across the country.
Dr. Henrich spoke about the need for an Alzheimer’s center in South Texas and the vision of the late Glenn Biggs. He also discussed raising more than $40 million in endowments, cash and capital funds to stand up the institute, and the recruitment of a world-class researcher, Dr. Seshadri, to lead it.
Ken Kosik, M.D., of the University of California at Santa Barbara, said people have two choices: wait for an FDA-approved drug or make lifestyle changes now. Lifestyle risks include lack of exercise, social isolation and uncontrolled stress, he said. He added that being aware of your blood pressure, cholesterol/lipid profile and glucose is key in preventing Alzheimer’s.
The Glenn Biggs Institute for Alzheimer’s and Neurodegenerative Diseases at UT Health San Antonio is the region’s first comprehensive center dedicated to the study and treatment of Alzheimer’s, dementia and other neurodegenerative diseases.
From diagnostic services using advanced brain imaging to neuropsychological testing and clinical trials, the institute will provide the Alzheimer’s care our patients and their caregivers need, including free individual and family counseling.
A video introducing the work of the Biggs institute was shown at the event.
View the video
The post Biggs institute hosts Dialogue on Dementia at the Tobin Center appeared first on UT Health San Antonio.