Nutrition and the Brain
Tantalizing findings suggest that we can prevent many cases of Alzheimer’s disease and change the course of other brain conditions.
Washington, D.C. (PRWEB) July 08, 2013
The first-of-its-kind International Conference on Nutrition and the Brain, jointly sponsored by The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences and the Physicians Committee, will be held at the Grand Hyatt in Washington, from July 19 to 20, 2013.
More than 500 clinicians will discuss how nutrients and lifestyle behaviors—such as sleep and exercise—affect common brain disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, migraines, and other conditions.
“Tantalizing findings suggest that we can prevent many cases of Alzheimer’s disease and change the course of other brain conditions,” says Dr. Barnard. “The greatest minds in neurologic research are here in Washington to discuss the latest evidence and, we hope, to create dietary guidelines to reverse the spread of this deadly and costly disease. As Alzheimer’s rates continue to soar—we have a pressing need for action.”
The International Conference on Nutrition and the Brain will feature 16 presenting researchers from five countries, including the United States, Canada, Italy, Australia, and South Africa. More than 500 clinicians from around the world will attend. Physicians, nurses, and registered dietitians will receive continuing education credits, recognized by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, the Commission on Dietetic Registration, and the Virginia Nurses Association.
Featured presenters and topics include:
- Dopamine, Diabetes, and Dementia; Toward Dietary Recommendations for Brain Health in Clinical Practice by Neal Barnard, M.D., adjunct professor of medicine at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- New Concepts in Dementia by James Cooper, M.D., clinical professor of medicine at The George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences
- Diet, Longevity, and Cognition by Gary Fraser, M.B., Ch.B., Ph.D., professor of medicine at Loma Linda University School of Medicine
- Dietary Fat Composition and Dementia Risk; Vitamin E and the Brain by Martha Clare Morris, Sc.D., clinical researcher and professor at RUSH University Medical Center
- The Role of Iron in Neurological Disorders by Antonia Ceccarelli, M.D., Ph.D., neurologist and instructor of neurology at Harvard Medical School
- Homocysteine Lowering with B Vitamins for Prevention of Brain Shrinkage and Memory Loss by Celeste A de Jager, Ph.D., senior lecturer in clinical epidemiology at the University of Cape Town, South Africa
- The Effect of Exercise on Brain Structure and Function by Kirk Erickson, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology at the University of Pittsburgh
The International Conference on Nutrition and the Brain will serve a nutrient-dense breakfast and lunch on both days, featuring quinoa and leafy greens; cucumber and peach gazpacho; mushroom ravioli, and a blueberry-pomegranate sorbet. Geriatrics exercise specialist John Pierre will guide attendees through a boot camp-style workout on Saturday to model cognitive and physical exercises.
To attend the conference or request an interview with Dr. Barnard, please contact Jessica Frost at jfrost(at)pcrm(dot)org or 202-527-7342.
About the Physicians Committee: Founded in 1985, the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine is a nonprofit health organization that promotes preventive medicine, conducts clinical research, and encourages higher standards for ethics and effectiveness in research.