Brain Research Foundation Discovery Dinner Panel Addresses the Risk of Cognitive Impairment

Nov. 6, 2012 - PRLog -- Chicago IL, November 6, 2012   The Brain Research Foundation conducted an expert panel on delaying cognitive impairment which includes dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

The distinguished participants are recognized experts on the subject and leaders in neurological science:

James A. Mastrianni, M.D., Ph.D., Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of Chicago and Director of the Center for Comprehensive Care and Research on Memory Disorders. Dr. Mastrianni studies patients with various types and levels of cognitive impairment and does research on dementia and related areas;

Robert S. Wilson, Ph.D., Professor of Neurological Sciences and Behavioral Sciences at Rush University Medical Center. Dr. Wilson is conducting research through the Memory and Aging Project at Rush;

Robert J. Vassar, Ph.D., Professor of Cell and Molecular Biology at Northwestern University. Through Dr. Vassar’s research, the enzyme involved in the generation of amyloid-beta, a peptide known to be associated with Alzheimer’s disease, was discovered.

“There are a variety of risk factors for cognitive impairment. Many of these you can control,” explained Dr. Mastrianni “Physical exercise is a key element that can help to reduce risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and adult onset diabetes.”

The discussion was moderated by BRF Executive Director, Terre A. Constantine, Ph.D. “Cognitive impairment, our new educational initiative, is a critical focus for our Foundation and with the support of our board we advance the topic through education and research with the goal of slowing cognitive decline,” stated Dr. Constantine. “We appreciate our panelists’ contribution and hope that in the years ahead our leadership position on this subject will lead to healthier and better lives for our aging society,’ she added.  

The panel was part of BRF’s annual Discovery Dinner that recognizes leaders in philanthropy and community service and raises funds for neurological research. Suzanne M. Kopp-Moskow, Michael H. Moskow, and John D. and Martha Mabie chaired this year’s Discovery Dinner. “The BRF’s annual benefit is unlike other philanthropic events,” remarked Suzanne Kopp-Moskow. “The Foundation’s annual panel discussions provide attendees with critical, leading-edge information that crystallizes the mission and importance of the work BRF is doing.”
 
About the Brain Research Foundation
The Brain Research Foundation is a national organization that supports cutting-edge neuroscience research that will lead to novel treatments and prevention of all neurological diseases in children and adults. We deliver this commitment through both research grants that provide initial funding for innovative projects, as well as educational programs for researchers and the general public.

For more information, visit our website http://www.thebrf.org. You can friend us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/brainresearchfoundation and follow us on twitter at https://twitter.com/TheBRF