NIH State of the Science Conference

Contributed by: Dennis Fortier, President, Medical Care Corporation


As I write often, the purpose of this blog is to help readers discriminate between press about solid science and press with a hidden or contorted agenda. Of course, every source has some bias so it is best to read broadly, cultivate your ability to discern, and make your own decisions about the state of the science.

One particularly good source of well-vetted, scientific summary is the National Institute of Health. Among the many ways they contribute to objective scientific inquiry is their "State of the Science" conferences. On April 26-28 they will convene such a conference on "Preventing Alzheimer's Disease and Cognitive Decline".

The purpose of the conference is to evaluate the available scientific information on Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and develop a statement that advances understanding of the issue under consideration and will be useful to health professionals and the public.

Discussion topics will include:
  • What factors are associated with the reduction of risk of AD?
  • What factors are associated with the reduction of risk of cognitive decline in older adults?
  • What are the relationships between the factors that affect AD and the factors that affect cognitive decline?
  • What are the therapeutic and adverse effects of interventions to delay the onset of AD?
  • What are the therapeutic and adverse effects of interventions to improve or maintain cognitive ability, or preserve cognitive function? Are there different outcomes in identifiable subgroups?
  • If recommendations for interventions cannot be made currently, what studies need to be done that could provide the quality and strength of evidence necessary to make such recommendations to individuals?
These conferences are free to attend, allow the public as well as professionals with an opportunity to contribute, and culminate with an objective summary about the state of the science in the particular field. If you know someone with an interest, please pass this on to ensure they are aware of the opportunity to participate. Even if attendance is not practical, let's all be aware of the forthcoming consensus report that the conference will generate and make available.

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