UCF Sponsors Brain Conference That Draws National Experts

Main Category: Neurology / Neuroscience
Also Included In: Conferences
Article Date: 25 Jan 2008 - 2:00 PDT

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Several of the world's leading brain experts will converge Friday, Jan. 25 to 27 in Orlando for a conference focusing on the latest research and treatment techniques.

The University of Central Florida sponsored the conference which features the Japanese scientist responsible for finding the gene that causes forms of Parkinson's disease that can be passed on from parents to their children and the Australian neuropathologist who laid the foundation for our current understanding of the molecular processes leading to Alzheimer's disease.

A Central Florida pediatric neurosurgeon whose specialty is "water on the brain" - an increase of fluid in the brain that leads to an enlargement of the skull and forehead known as hydrocephalus-- also will be among the more than 25 world experts who will share their latest research findings and what they could mean for future treatments.

Kiminobu Sugaya, a professor at UCF's School of Biomedical Sciences, organized the second-annual Brain Conference in partnership with Orlando Regional Healthcare, Florida Hospital and the Alzheimer's Association. His goal is for experts to share the latest research and treatment techniques with each other and the public.

"Our goal is to cultivate Central Florida's growing medical community," Sugaya said. "Healthy brain function is important to maintain quality of life. We believe that increasing interactions between scientists, clinicians and the public is important to enhancing the development of treatments and cures for brain diseases."

Mark McEwen, a weatherman and entertainment reporter for CBS's Early Show for 16 years and now for WKMG-Channel 6 in Orlando, will make a special presentation to help kick off the event at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 25. McEwen, who nearly died after a stroke, will share his experiences and his road to recovery.

The conference is open to medical professionals and the general public. Physicians, nurses and neuropsychologists participating will also be able to earn Continuing Medical Education credits for attending certain portions of the conference.

Several sessions will be held during the three-day event. They are pediatrics (which covers autism, hydrocephalus and Down syndrome), traumatic brain injury, brain tumors and the aged brain, mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease and prognosis and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Some of the experts can also speak about brain diseases among the Hispanic community.

The cost is $325 for physicians, $175 for the general public and $100 for students. The conference will be held at the Rosen Centre, 9840 International Drive. For a complete program guide and to register, visit http://www.brainconference.org.

UCF Stands for Opportunity -- Established in 1963, the University of Central Florida is a diverse metropolitan research university that ranks as the 6th-largest in the county with more than 48,000 students. Located in Orlando, Fla., UCF offers high-quality undergraduate and graduate education, student development, and continuing education, while conducting cutting-edge research that powers the region's economic development.

University of Central Florida