According to the Alzheimer’s Association, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's and by 2050, this number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million. Further, in 2023, Alzheimer’s and other dementias will cost the nation $345 billion. By 2050, these costs could rise to nearly $1 trillion.
Many of us in central Indiana, and beyond, have had experience with Alzheimer’s; either caring for or losing a loved one to the disease, and watching the impact this insidious disease has on the person, the caregiver and the family.
However, what do we truly understand about this disease? We hear something new every day about Alzheimer’s.
- It impacts black more than white people;
- Wine improves brain health and helps protect against Alzheimer’s, but it also has a negative impact on the brain’s communication pathways;
- Gingko Biloba and Coral Calcium have been marketed as preventing or curing Alzheimer’s Disease;
- Sleep is a big factor in determining risk for Alzheimer’s;
- Alzheimer’s and Dementia are the same thing;
- Alzheimer’s is congenital; if your parent has it, you will as well;
- Tinnitus is a pre-cursor to Alzheimer’s;
- Forgetfulness is a symptom of Alzheimer’s.
There’s so much information to navigate about Alzheimer’s. How do we understand what is factual and how do we consume and consider information as we care for loved ones with Alzheimer’s? What do we need to know to understand our own risk for Alzheimer’s?
On Thursday, November 2, Women & Hi Tech is tackling the topic of Alzheimer’s with our final Executive Women's Forum of 2023, “The Science Behind Alzheimer’s.”
This event will be hosted by Women & Hi Tech Beacon Sponsor, Roche Diagnostics, at their location on the northeast side of Indianapolis, 9115 Hague Road. More details to come on parking and arrival.
We have assembled an incredibly knowledgeable and experienced panel to discuss the science of this disease: how it evolves, contributing factors, treatments and what’s on the horizon. We will tackle the myths, define terminologies, and help attendees understand how they can locate reputable resources for caring for their loved ones or themselves. Linda Calvin, Executive Women’s Forum (EWF) Director for Women & Hi Tech, will moderate a stellar panel:
- Dr. Ann Marie Hake, Executive Director, Eli Lilly and Company. Dr. Hake is a board-certified neurologist with fellowship training in neurodegenerative diseases and postgraduate training in medical informatics. In her current role at Eli Lilly and Company, she is a physician member of the Digital Health Research and Development team (formerly known as Translational Technology and Innovation), as well as the Vice Chair of the Lilly Bioethics Advisory Committee.
- Dr. Maria-Magdalena Patru, Scientific Partner CNS Roche Diagnostics. Dr. Patru is an MD with practice and training in both general and laboratory medicine and experienced basic and clinical microbiology scientist with a PhD in microbiology and immunology. In addition to the graduate work, more than 13 years experience in clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology and immunology, molecular diagnostic, assays development and validation, clinical trials and IVD industry.
- Natalie Sutton, Chapter Executive for the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana. Ms. Sutton was a communication major and Media Fellow at DePauw, and earned a Master's of Public Affairs from Indiana University - Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). Before becoming the leader at AAI, she was the Executive Director for Susan G. Komen. She also served as a senior development and corporate relations officer for the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and was national director of signature campaigns for the American Liver Foundation.
- Rupal Thanawala, CEO, Trident Systems LLC. Rupal is an IT executive with a track record of planning, developing, and implementing cutting edge solutions in Fortune 500 corporations. Rupal is very engaged in the central Indiana community and has been very engaged with the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana. She has first-hand experience caring for a parent with Alzheimer’s.
Event Agenda:
- Registration, 3:00pm – 3:20pm
- Welcome and Opening Remarks, 3:20pm-3:30pm, President of Women & Hi Tech Joy Neely
- Science Behind Alzheimer’s Program, 3:30pm-5:00pm, Moderated by Linda Calvin, Women & Hi Tech Executive Women's Forum Director
- Happy Hour and Networking, 5:00pm-5:30pm
All are welcome: men, women, caregivers, healthcare professionals! Event registration is free for Women & Hi Tech members and $25 for non-members, with all proceeds from registration to be donated to the Alzheimer's Association of Indiana.
Learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association of Indiana
Sign up for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s
November is National Family Caregivers Month, honoring the millions of family members and friends serving as Alzheimer’s caregivers. Learn more about this month and find resources at https://www.alz.org/events/nadam.
