Doc Talks: Aging for Life – Dodging Neurodegenerative Diseases

Co-sponsored by the College of Medicine – Tucson and Banner Health, Doc Talks is a free health lecture series for the Tucson community.

On Tuesday, Sept. 25, Roberta Brinton, PhD, will present the last of four free lectures as part of the Doc Talks series. Dr. Roberta Diaz Brinton is an innovative and creative neuroscientist whose early insights led to the leadership position she holds today in the field of Alzheimer’s, the aging female brain and regenerative therapeutics to prevent, delay and treat the disease. More than 20 years ago, Dr. Brinton had two fundamental insights that have, after years of research, yielded major breakthroughs in understanding the etiology of Alzheimer’s and therapeutics to prevent, delay and treat the disease.  Her insights, which predated the advent of precision medicine, formed the basis for programs of research that are critical to personalized therapeutic care for Alzheimer’s disease. Dr. Brinton is currently the Director of the UA Center for Innovation in Brain Science and a professor of pharmacology and neurology at the College of Medicine – Tucson.

Dr. Brinton's lecture, "Aging for Life," will focus on age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. In the 21st century there is not a single cure for a single neurodegenerative disease. While therapies exist, they provide symptom relief while the degenerative process marches ever forward. The University of Arizona Center for Innovation in Brain Science is tackling this challenge. Age is the greatest risk factor for Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, ALS and rapidly progressing multiple sclerosis. The center's strategy is to harness the power of revolutions in the science of complex systems biology and big data to discover why the aging brain is vulnerable to these diseases and to translate these discoveries into precision medicine.

The lecture will commence at 6 p.m., but guests are encouraged to arrive early for a Wellness Expo featuring free skin UV damage analyses, osteoporosis tests and more.

REGISTRATION: Light refreshments will be provided at all “Doc Talks,” but attendees are required to register in advance by calling 800-230-CARE (2273) or registering online at BannerHealth.com/DocTalks.