|  | An amazing week ahead for the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® 2022. | | | |  | Dear Tushar,
As I write to you today, thousands of the world's leading scientists from the field of Alzheimer's and all other dementia are gathered in San Diego and connecting online, engaged in important discussions at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference® 2022 (AAIC®).
Many are sharing their latest findings and discussing and debating the implications of their research. Some are taking part in discussions about how to move their research findings to the next stage, what these findings might mean for furthering understanding of the disease, or how to translate these findings into possible new treatments. I'm certain they will go back to their research team inspired by these exchanges and new ideas discussed.
The first couple of days have featured: - The long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the brain: New research from Argentina found that persistent loss of the sense of smell may be a better predictor of long-term cognitive and functional impairment than severity of the initial COVID-19 disease. Plus, hospitalization in the intensive care unit (ICU) for any cause was associated with double the risk of dementia in older adults, according to a study by Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center in Chicago. This data adds to our ongoing understanding of the contributions of COVID-19 on the short and long-term health of our brains.
- Experiences of racism and memory decline: Research from Columbia University found exposure to interpersonal and institutional racism was associated with lower memory scores, and these associations were driven by Black individuals. Also, research from University of California Davis found individuals who experienced wide-ranging discrimination throughout life had lower semantic memory in late life compared to those who experienced little-to-no discrimination. This data provides strong evidence that multilevel racism influences cognition throughout the lifecourse, and enforces the need to reduce racism and other forms of discrimination.
- The association between consuming ultra-processed foods and cognition: A study from Brazil found that people who consume the highest amount of ultra-processed foods have a 28% faster decline in global cognitive scores including memory, verbal fluency, and executive function. This research adds to growing evidence around diet and brain health.
I'm very grateful to the many scientists, educators and advocates who have gathered here, including those who have traveled from around the world because they know how important AAIC is. And I'm thankful to you, too. Progress doesn't happen without research, and research doesn't happen without the generous support of this community. Thank you for providing the support needed to advance the fight against Alzheimer's by making your first gift now.
I truly believe the sharing and collaboration taking place this week will lead to more breakthrough research discoveries and advance our mission to lead the way to end Alzheimer's and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support.
But I also know this: Each AAIC is a new beginning and an opportunity for us. Each year, the world looks to AAIC to see what progress is taking place.
Tushar, everything we do depends on the generosity and commitment of our amazing community — and that includes you. Thank you for showing your commitment by making a gift now.
In the coming weeks and months, we will receive additional research requests, including those from researchers who want to build upon the progress they've been discussing at AAIC. With your help, we can advance research and continue to provide strong support for people impacted by Alzheimer's and for their families and caregivers. And we'll continue advocating for federal research funding and improved care standards.
All of that, and more, depends on the support you and other members of our community provide.
AAIC only happens once a year. But our work must continue every day. And with millions more Americans expected to be living with Alzheimer's in the coming years, it's extremely urgent that we keep making progress. I'm grateful that you're a part of our community, and today I'm asking you to make your first gift to accelerate global research while enhancing care and support.
AAIC ends in just three days. We must seize the momentum and do all we can to accelerate research progress even more. As these researchers prepare to return to their labs and offices in the coming days, their work will continue, and so will ours, until we achieve our vision of a world without Alzheimer's and all other dementia.
Please visit alz.org for more exciting findings from this year's conference. Thank you so much. I'm very grateful to know that I can count on you.
Sincerely,
Liz Adams
Chief Development Officer
P.S. AAIC is the place to be to hear all the latest developments in Alzheimer's science — as well as for dementia researchers to network and collaborate. We can't wait to celebrate the advancements that come, with your support, from this important conference. Please help with your gift today.
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