Hope Grows as Alzheimer’s Research Accelerates
Tuesday, June 30th, 2026 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Hope Grows as Alzheimer’s Research Accelerates
By Laurie Fox for Our PLACE
The two-day 7th Annual Symposium on Alzheimer’s and Dementia, hosted by The Pat Summitt Clinic and the UT Brain & Spine Institute in June, brought together physicians, researchers, and healthcare professionals to share the latest advancements in Alzheimer’s and dementia diagnosis, treatment, and care. Our PLACE Memory Day Center was honored to attend and learn from these leading experts.
The keynote speaker, Maria C. Carrillo, PhD, Chief Science Officer of the Alzheimer’s Association, shared an inspiring message of hope. As the leader who helps shape the organization’s global research strategy, Dr. Carrillo highlighted how international collaboration is accelerating discoveries and bringing new possibilities for treatment and care. We are fortunate to have nationally recognized experts and resources right here in our community, serving families throughout East Tennessee and beyond.
One of the most encouraging themes of the conference was the progress being made in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease. There are six stages of Alzheimer’s, and the newest therapies have shown the greatest impact in slowing disease progression during stages one through three. These early stages may include increased forgetfulness, difficulty organizing or planning, misplacing valuables more frequently, and subtle changes that are often noticed by family and friends before the individual recognizes them.
This reinforces an important message: early diagnosis matters. Identifying symptoms sooner can open the door to treatments and interventions that may help preserve independence and quality of life for a longer period of time. As discussed in last month’s article, if you have concerns about memory changes, you are not alone, and support is available.
At Our PLACE, we remain committed to serving as a trusted resource for individuals and families navigating dementia-related diagnoses. We invest in ongoing education, collaborate with local and national experts, and continually seek new ways to provide the highest level of care and support. Throughout the coming year, I look forward to sharing additional insights and key takeaways from this conference. In the meantime, Sarah Martin, Executive Director of Our PLACE, is always available at 865-657-7222 to answer questions and help guide families in partnership with their healthcare providers.
Join us at 10 a.m. on July 17 at the Tellico Village Yacht Club for our second “Ask the Expert” Brain Health Education Series with geriatrician Dr. John Kriese, DO. He will lead us through one patient’s Alzheimer’s journey. Other healthcare professionals will also be available to answer questions and discuss ways to support lifelong brain health. We will hold another session on October 23. Check here next month for more details.
My latest “Moment of Joy” came while attending a very different kind of convention.
One afternoon at Our PLACE, as everyone gathered around the table in anticipation of live music, David turned to Roger and said, “I have some women coming in this afternoon to dance with.”
Roger grinned and replied, “Now you’re talking my language!”
Without missing a beat, Faye chimed in, “You stinker.”
Roger proudly announced, “It is a stinker convention!”
The table erupted in laughter, and for a moment, everyone was simply enjoying each other’s company. Now that sounds like a convention worth attending.
Our PLACE, an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit, encourages anyone with questions to reach out to us at director@ourplacetn.org or (865) 657-7222 to schedule a 30-minute confidential appointment. Together we are better!
OurPLACE TN
103 Cheeyo Way
Loudon, TN 37774
