Frank Sasinowski will be speaking at the 24th Annual Adler Symposium on Alzheimers Research

Objective and Area of Discussion: The 24th Adler Symposium will focus on three major themes: The microbiome; glucose, insulin, and brain metabolism; and neuroinflammation.

Recent data indicate that the microbiome not only influences the gastrointestinal system, but that it can have a profound impact and interaction with many organ systems including the brain via several possible mechanisms. The role of the microbiome in influencing systemic inflammation, metabolism, and brain function/dysfunction will be discussed. Diabetes is known to increase the risk of dementia, though mechanism(s) have not been fully characterized. Several investigators will discuss the role of glucose, insulin, and insulin signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of AD and dementia. The potential role of insulin signaling in treatment as well as the role of the neurovascular unit, and relation to diabetes and brain vascular dysfunction will also be discussed. Recent data indicate that the innate immune system plays an important role in several neurodegenerative diseases. Ongoing and new work in both the CNS and other organ systems such as muscle will be presented in this exciting and rapidly changing area. There are many efforts to translate new diagnostic and treatment strategies into humans, using both genetically defined populations and new treatment trial designs in both AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. Updates in this rapidly changing landscape will be presented.