The 2021 National Alzheimer's Summit

Where are we as a nation on the path to the 2025 goal of stopping Alzheimer’s disease? Since the disease was first identified in the early 1900s, innovation has been slow, but the pace of science and discovery is dramatically increasing. This session will explore the progress made to date and the potential ahead for the development of new treatments, innovative diagnostics and means of prevention.  

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It’s never too late to take action on brain health for the millions of people who worry about their own memory and that of a loved one. Brain health is about making the most of your brain and taking action to reduce the risk of cognitive decline as you age. Strong evidence shows that you can protect your brain health by making key lifestyle changes, such as getting regular exercise, engaging with other people, keeping your heart healthy and asking your doctor for regular brain health check-ups. Participants in this session will learn why a healthy brain is important to overall well-being, how to raise the topic of memory with your loved ones and health care providers, action steps you can take every day to protect your brain, and the barriers that caregivers face in taking care of their own brain health.

Millions of American families have had their lives turned upside down by family caregiving, a responsibility made more difficult by the COVID-19 pandemic. This vital role falls disproportionately on the shoulders of women of color who often struggle to provide care while working. During the pandemic, 16% of Latino and 13% of Black adults have been forced to leave the workforce to provide care for an adult family member. Join civil rights leader Dolores Huerta for a conversation about how she has used her voice to shine a light on care inequities and to demand economic justice for family caregivers through policies like paid family and medical leave.

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