Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter Hosts Free Event Exploring the Role of Genetics in Alzheimer's Disease

NEW YORK, March 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter will host a free community event, open to the public, featuring a panel of experts who will explore the role of genetics in Alzheimer's disease. Titled, "The Role of Genetics in Alzheimer's Disease: An Evolving Landscape," the event will take place on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at The Times Center in midtown Manhattan and will be moderated by WCBS-TV Medical Reporter Dr. Max Gomez, who was recently awarded the Chapter's 2011 Public Awareness Award. Panelists include:

• Jed Levine, M.A., Executive Vice President & Director of Programs and Services, Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter
• Richard Mayeux, M.D., M.S., Chairman, Department of Neurology and Co-Director, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University
• Roy Twyman, M.D., Vice President, Head of CNS Development, Neuroscience Therapeutic Area, Janssen Research & Development, L.L.C.
• Jennifer Williamson, M.S., M.P.H., Genetic Counselor, Taub Institute for Research on Alzheimer's Disease and the Aging Brain, Columbia University

Lou-Ellen Barkan, President and CEO of the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter, said, "The role of genetics in Alzheimer's is often misunderstood. This expert panel, led by Dr. Gomez, the Janssen team and world renowned medical researchers, will set the record straight and provide members of the Alzheimer's community with reliable, easy-to-understand and up-to-date information."

Dr. Richard Mayeux said, "The importance of genetics in Alzheimer's disease is growing, not only to potentially identify those at risk, but also as a tool to find potential targets for therapies in the future."

This program was developed by the Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter, Janssen Alzheimer Immunotherapy Research & Development, LLC, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., and Janssen Research & Development, LLC, with funding from the Janssen companies.

The Alzheimer's Association, New York City Chapter is a leading voluntary organization dedicated to providing support for people with the disease and their families, and advancing research for the causes, treatment and prevention of Alzheimer's disease, which includes further understanding the role of genetics and Alzheimer's.

For more information, visit www.alznyc.org/genetics.

SOURCE Alzheimer’s Association, New York City Chapter