Virtual Symposium Explores Causes of Alzheimer's Disease
June 24, 2021
On Tuesday, June 15, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine’s (PCOM) Center for Chronic Disorders of Aging (CCDA) hosted a free virtual Alzheimer’s symposium titled “Before Amyloid-Beta: Exploring
Pre-Pathology Events in Alzheimer’s.” This four-hour event covered topics such as
infection in the brain, mitochondria, neuroengineering to study brain disease and
more. There were nine speakers at the event including Brian Balin, PhD, chair, Department of Bio-medical Sciences, and director of the CCDA.
“For far too long, the field of Alzheimer’s disease research has focused on the Amyloid
Cascade Hypothesis suggesting that beta-amyloid was the main component underlying
Alzheimer’s disease,” shared Dr. Balin. “This symposium presented evidence demonstrating
that we must consider inciting events resulting in neuronal cellular damage prior
to the aggregation of beta-amyloid as the causative factors in Alzheimer’s disease
pathogenesis; pathogenesis that results in the eventual deposition of amyloid and
other protein aggregates such as tau. In this evaluation, the true etiology of Alzheimer’s
disease lies in the interplay of ‘the environment’ and ‘individual susceptibilities’,”
continued Dr. Balin.
The goal of this symposium was to bring together experts in various fields of Alzheimer’s
research to enhance networking with attendees across their various research specialties.
Attendees also discussed the needs within the community (research, funding, drug development,
etc.) and received an update on the Alzheimer’s Disease Data Initiative, a non-profit
medical research organization that is dedicated to advancing scientific breakthroughs
in the treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias.
The symposium was moderated by Nikki Schultek. Ms. Schultek is the principal and founder
of Intracell Research Group. According to the Intracell Research Group website, when
Ms. Schultek was diagnosed with multiple autoimmune disorders, some of which included
neurodegenerative symptoms, she began studying medical literature and noticed a correlation
between her diagnosis and various chronic infections. Antibiotic treatment led to
a complete remission and inspired her work to connect researchers, clinicians and
stakeholders to advance the research in the field of neurodegeneration.
More Than 500 Graduates Celebrate Commencement at PCOMTurning Loss into Purpose: One Student's Journey with Destigmatizing Mental HealthDr. Peter F. Bidey Appointed Dean of PCOM's Osteopathic Medical Program
About Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine
Founded in 1899, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine (PCOM) has trained thousands
of highly competent, caring physicians, health practitioners and behavioral scientists
who practice a “whole person” approach to care—treating people, not just symptoms.
PCOM operates three campuses (PCOM, PCOM Georgia and PCOM South Georgia) and offers doctoral degrees in clinical psychology, educational psychology, osteopathic
medicine, pharmacy, physical therapy and school psychology, and graduate degrees in
applied behavior analysis, applied positive psychology, biomedical sciences, forensic
medicine, medical laboratory science, mental health counseling, non profit leadership
and population health management, organizational development and leadership, physician
assistant studies, school psychology, and public health management and administration.
PCOM students learn the importance of health promotion, research, education and service
to the community. Through its community-based Healthcare Centers, PCOM provides care
to medically underserved populations. For more information, visit pcom.edu or call 215-871-6100.
For more information, contact:
Daniel McCunney
Associate Director, News and Media Relations
Email: danielmc1@pcom.edu
Office: 215-871-6304 | Cell:
267-449-1360