There has been considerable progress in our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) over the last 30 years. Several genes have been identified that are associated with the development of AD. Using this genetic information, animal models have been developed and have yielded important insights into the molecular events that lead to AD. Comparable advances have been made in identifying imaging and cerebrospinal biomarkers that may be useful in identifying individuals at risk for AD and in tracking the evolution of symptoms over time, with the hope that such measures might speed drug development in clinical trials. As a result, there are an increasing number of clinical trials under way, and many more are planned in the future. This symposium, consisting of leaders in the field, will provide up-to-date information in each of these areas of investigation, the importance of which cannot be overemphasized, as approximately 5 million people in the United States are clinically diagnosed with AD and this figure is expected to triple by the year 2050, resulting in 1 in 45 Americans with AD.

The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine takes responsibility for the content, quality, and scientific integrity of this CME activity.

At the conclusion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• Define the genes associated with the development of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and explain their likely role in the underlying mechanism of the disease.
• Identify animal models that have incorporated the genetic mutations associated with AD and how they relate to the evolution of the symptoms of AD.
• Describe the primary neuroimaging and cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers that have been examined to date.
• Explain how the primary neuroimaging and CSF biomarkers examined to date may influence the diagnosis and treatment of AD in the future.
• Describe the lessons learned from recent clinical trials and the trials likely in the upcoming years.

Marilyn Albert, PhD, Program Chair
Professor of Neurology
Director, Division of Cognitive Neuroscience
Co-Director, Johns Hopkins Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
Baltimore, Maryland

Rachelle S. Doody, MD, PhD
Effie Marie Cain Chair in Alzheimer’s Disease Research
Director, Alzheimer’s Disease and Memory Disorders Center
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas

Frank M. LaFerla, PhD
Professor, Department of Neurobiology and Behavior
University of California, Irvine
Irvine, California

Gerard Schellenberg, PhD
Associate Director for Research
Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center
Veterans Affairs, Puget Sound Healthcare System
Research Professor, Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine
University of Washington School of Medicine
Seattle, Washington

Michael W. Weiner, MD
Director, Center for Imaging of Neurodegenerative Diseases
San Francisco VA Medical Center
Professor of Radiology, Medicine, Psychiatry, and Neurology
University of California, San Francisco
San Francisco, California

6:00 – 6:30 PM Registration and Buffet Dinner

6:30 – 6:45 PM Introduction and Educational Activity
Marilyn Albert, PhD

6:45 – 7:10 PM Unraveling the Genetic Puzzle
Gerard Schellenberg, PhD

7:10 – 7:20 PM Audience Q&A

7:20 – 7:45 PM Animal Models: Mimicking the Pathophysiology of AD
Frank M. LaFerla, PhD

7:45 – 7:55 PM Audience Q&A

7:55 – 8:20 PM The Role of Biomarkers in Diagnosis and Treatment
Michael W. Weiner, MD

8:20 – 8:30 PM Audience Q&A

8:30 – 8:55 PM Evolving Concepts in Clinical Trials for AD
Rachelle S. Doody, MD, PhD

8:55 – 9:05 PM Audience Q&A

9:05 – 9:20 PM Educational Activity
Marilyn Albert, PhD

9:20 – 9:30 PM Concluding Remarks

Goal
The goal of this program is to provide participants with the scientific evidence and therapeutic strategies pertaining to the latest progress in Alzheimer’s disease, focusing on genetics, animal models, biomarkers, and present and future clinical trials.

Intended Audience
This activity is designed for basic and clinical researchers interested in the most recent work in Alzheimer’s disease. No prerequisites required.

Accreditation Statement
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

Credit Designation Statement
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine designates this educational activity for a maximum of 3 AMA PRA Category 1 Credit(s)™. Physicians should only claim credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

Policy on Faculty and Provider Disclosure
It is the policy of The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine that the faculty and provider disclose real or apparent conflicts of interest relating to the topics of this educational activity, and also disclose discussions of unlabeled/unapproved uses of drugs or devices during their presentation(s). The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine OCME has established policies in place that will identify and resolve all conflicts of interest prior to this educational activity. Detailed disclosure will be made in the course handout materials.

Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA)
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine fully complies with the legal requirements of the ADA and the rules and regulations thereof. Please notify us if you have any special needs.

Fee Information
There is no fee for this educational activity.