MD Anderson expert to lead free Austin panel on Alzheimer’s disease

Program at Belmont Village to focus on finding a cure and living with the disease

MD Anderson News Release October 10, 2017

The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and Belmont Village Senior Living will present a free panel discussion in Austin exploring the scientific, social and emotional challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, 6:30-8 p.m., Wednesday, Oct. 25, at Belmont Village West Lake Hills, 4310 Bee Cave Rd. A free reception will begin at 6 p.m.

Jim Ray, Ph.D., head of Neuroscience Research, Institute for Applied Cancer Science at MD Anderson, will lead panelists including Delia Jervier, executive director, Alzheimer’s Association Capital of Texas Chapter; Beverly Sanborn, gerontologist and vice president, Program Development, Belmont Village Senior Living; and a family caregiver who will share experiences and insights from her journey with her loved one.

Ray will represent the Neurodegeneration Consortium (NDC), a collaboration of MD Anderson, Baylor College of Medicine, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Mount Sinai Hospital. The NDC was established in 2012 with a $25 million gift from the Robert A. and Renee E. Belfer Family Foundation. The NDC seeks to better understand the underlying biology of the disease and translate this knowledge into effective therapeutic interventions.

Alzheimer’s disease, the sixth leading cause of death and most expensive disease to manage in the U.S. health care system, afflicts 5.4 million people today. It is estimated that 16 million people will have the disease by 2050.

Seating is limited and registration is required, and can be made at 512-347-1700 or eventswlh@belmontvillage.com Self-parking will be available.