Breaking Barriers in Alzheimer’s Disease Series: Innovative Diagnostics for Women
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June 21, 2024 @ 12:00 pm - 12:45 pm EDT
Approximately two-thirds of Alzheimer’s disease patients are women, as well as more than 60% of their caregivers. Stigma surrounding in Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can cause some women to dismiss symptoms as normal aging or menopausal brain fog and delay talking to their health care provider. Moreover, coverage of screening and diagnostic tests can be difficult and confusing to navigate, also contributing to delays in diagnosing and treating Alzheimer’s disease.
An early diagnosis is essential for slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, planning for long-term care, and maintaining quality of life for both patients and their caregivers. It also provides more opportunities for individuals to participate in medical decisions and potential clinical trials, as well as maintain meaningful social relationships within their community.
Researchers are continuing to investigate more cost-effective and noninvasive approaches for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. Coupling education to innovation broadens awareness and helps women make informed decisions about their health care throughout their Alzheimer’s disease journey.
SWHR is hosting a series of webinars to share the experiences of women with Alzheimer’s disease and highlight the importance of access to innovative diagnostics throughout the diagnostic journey.
The SWHR Breaking Barriers in Alzheimer’s Disease series includes:
Professor, Department of Neuropathology, University of Utah
Dr. Qinwen Mao is a professor and Director of Neuropathology in the Department of Pathology at the University of Utah, and a medical director of the Department of Pathology’s ARUP laboratories. She is an academic neuropathologist specializing in the diagnosis of and research on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD). In the short term, she seeks to unravel the clinicopathologic relationships between dementia syndromes and heterogeneous pathologies, investigating TDP-43 pathology and neurodegeneration in FTLD and AD, for the purposes of developing biomarker(s) that can diagnose TDP-43 proteinopathy. Her long-term goals are to use the knowledge and specialized tools she has developed to improve the diagnosis and medical care of people with dementia. Dr. Mao has a demonstrated record of productive projects (with over 140 publications) in areas related to dementia, particularly FTLD-TDP. She has multidisciplinary expertise in neurodegenerative diseases and biotechnology with strong track record of collaboration in these fields.
Vice President and Senior Advisor, Health Equity UsAgainstAlzheimer's
Stephanie J. Monore, J.D. is Vice President and Senior Advisor, Health Equity of UsAgainstAlzheimer’s (UsA2) which is a national advocacy organization based in Washington. D.C. By working nationally, locally, and through strategic partnerships, UsAgainstAlzheimer’s is raising awareness of the impact of Alzheimer’s health disparities on communities of color and women, the need for greater minority participation in clinical trials to find better treatments and hopefully a cure, and the importance of all communities, especially those most at risk to begin to focus on brain health and adopt risk reduction strategies that promote brain health and healthy aging.
This webinar is intended to serve as an educational and informative resource and is not intended or implied to serve as a substitute for medical or professional advice. The Society for Women’s Health Research does not make medical, diagnosis, or treatment recommendations, nor does it endorse or promote specific screening or diagnostic tests. Patients and consumers should confirm information and consult a professional health care provider to determine individual needs. The Society will not be liable for any direct, indirect, or other damages arising therefrom.
Sponsors
Support for this educational program has been provided by Eli Lilly & Co and Roche. SWHR maintains independence and editorial control over program development, content, and work products.
