Are you curious why women are two times more likely to get diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease over men?

If so, join us for a two part discussion with some of the world's leading researchers where we will dive into this topic. The second half of the symposium will be a round table discussion where the audience will hear from caregivers and family members whose lives have been impacted by the disease.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, November 6th, 2021

Time:

  • Pacific Standard Time: 10AM - 12PM

  • Mountain Standard Time: 11AM - 1PM

  • Central Standard Time: 12PM - 2PM

  • Eastern Standard Time: 1PM - 3PM

Schedule

Speakers

keynote speakers

Dr. Michelle Mielke

Dr. Michelle M. Mielke is currently an associate professor in the Departments of Epidemiology and Neurology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. Dr. Mielke works as a translational epidemiologist to identify fluid and neuroimaging biomarkers for the diagnosis, prediction and/or progression of neurodegenerative diseases. The principal research interests of Dr. Mielke are to further understanding of the epidemiology of neurodegenerative diseases and the sex-specific differences in the risk and progression of these diseases. Her work on sex and gender differences in disease risk will contribute to better precision-based medicine for men and women.

Dan Gasby

Dan Gasby is co-founder of the B. Smith brand along with his late wife and business partner, the American chef, supermodel, and lifestyle maven B. Smith. Together, they produced B. Smith-branded television shows, magazines, books, restaurants, and a line of branded home goods still sold at major retailers.

Prior to that, Gasby had a highly successful television sales and production career for shows such as The Oprah Winfrey Show, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the Essence Awards on CBS.

Following Smith’s 2013 early onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the couple authored Before I Forget (Harmony Books/Crown Publishing). Gasby was Smith’s chief caregiver during her illness and has become a leading voice for Alzheimer’s awareness, and caregiving. As a widower, he hosted a radio show for caregivers on 77WABC/Cumulus Media radio.

In addition to joining the American Brain Foundation Board of Directors to help the Foundation make curing brain disease a high profile, public cause, Gasby has been honored for his work with many awards and speaking appearances including as keynote and recipient of the 2017 Public Leadership in Neurology Award; speaker at the 2017Congressional Briefing for World Mental Health Day; and noted guest of honor at Congressman Elijah E. Cummings’ 2017 unveiling of Alzheimer’s semi postal fundraising stamp which Gasby was influential in making happen.

 

PANELISTS

Featured
David Goldberg, MD
David Goldberg, MD

Dr. David Goldberg is an Internal Medicine physician and Assistant Clinical Professor at the Virginia Commonwealth University Medical Center. He is also a Young Adult Advisory Board Member for Hilarity For Charity, and an Alzheimer's Congressional Team Member for Alzheimer’s Association.

Joyce (Joy) Balls-Berry, Ph.D., M.P.E.
Joyce (Joy) Balls-Berry, Ph.D., M.P.E.

Joyce (Joy) Balls-Berry, Ph.D., M.P.E. is an Associate Professor of Neurology at Washington University School of Medicine and Core Leader for the newly established Health Disparities and Equity Core in the Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (under the direction of John Morris, M.D.). Prior to joining Washington University School of Medicine, Dr. Balls-Berry was an Assistant Professor of Epidemiology at Mayo Clinic. Her work as a scientist centers on increasing awareness of the importance of community-patient engagement in research to increase health equity in minority and under-resourced communities.

Macie Smith, Ed.D, LSW, SW-G
Macie Smith, Ed.D, LSW, SW-G

Dr. Macie P. Smith is a Licensed Social Worker and Gerontologist with more than two decades of experience working with aging and vulnerable populations and their family caregivers. She conducts research, develops programs, conducts program evaluations, and facilitates professional development training in the areas of health care management, family caregiving, Alzheimer’s, dementia, and cognitive impairment.

Dr. Smith is the CEO of Diversified Training Consultants Group, a Geriatric Care Management group that promotes quality education and training for health and human services practitioners and family caregivers. She is the author of A Dementia Caregiver’s Guide to Care, a guidebook of frequently asked questions that will provide practical guidance throughout the caregiving journey. She also is an Associate Profession in the Social Work Department at Benedict College.

Dr. Smith has published several peer-reviewed journals and newspaper articles geared towards strengthening senior and blended families. She recently won the Golden Pen by the Post & Courier Newspaper for her Letter to the Editor urging state leaders to re-open nursing homes to family caregivers to provide emotional support to seniors.

Round Table PANELISTS

NAB 2021 Virtual Symposium Sign-up

If you consent to receive information about the Symposium, we will email you with additional information and links in the future. Please feel free to direct any questions to inquiry@alzbuddies.org.