TAMPA – The Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr., Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute, the world’s largest free-standing Alzheimer’s research facility, is hosting several unique, public education events to mark November as National Alzheimer’s Awareness Month. The Institute is offering free seminars and screenings that will inform the public about Alzheimer’s and encourage an understanding of the cutting-edge research being conducted at the center.

“Education is an integral part of our mission at the Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute,” said Dr. Huntington Potter, CEO and scientific director. “Alzheimer’s Awareness Month provides us with a perfect opportunity to build upon our ongoing efforts with special targeted screening days and informative seminars that we hope will leave a lasting impression with the community.”

About 450,000 Floridians have Alzheimer’s. As the population ages, that number will swell dramatically, yet many people know little about the disease, its risk factors, and scientific developments on the horizon. In fact, Alzheimer's affects more than 4.5 million people in the United States. Floridians are 10 percent of all Alzheimer's cases and there are about 2 million people over the age of 65 who call Florida home. Estimates are that by 2010, almost half a million Floridians will be living with Alzheimer's. In 2030, there will be almost 1 million Floridians affected.

Byrd Institute Alzheimer’s Awareness Month events include:

MEMORY SCREENING DAY

Participate in the national campaign for Alzheimer’s awareness by getting a free memory check-up. Memory screenings are no cost and help by identifying memory changes early.

Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute
4001 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, Fl
Tuesday, November 13
8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Appointments required. Call 813-866-1611 to schedule.

CAFFEINE RESEARCH SEMINAR WITH DR. GARY ARENDASH

Dr. Arendash presents his research finding on the benefits of caffeine and Alzheimer’s disease. The Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute is conducting human trials replicating its innovative caffeine study, which showed that long-term caffeine intake reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease in mice.
Come enjoy a cup of coffee and learn more about the next level of this treatment.

Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute First Floor Conference Room
4001 E. Fletcher Ave. Tampa, Fl
Wednesday November 14
2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Call to reserve your seat, 813-319-4115.

New Research

Current and recent research projects by Byrd Alzheimer’s Institute scientists include:

• Human trials investigating caffeine’s impact on Alzheimer’s
• Lifelong cognitive activity and protection from Alzheimer’s
• Researching the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimer’s
• Vaccine studies for treatment and prevention of Alzheimer’s

The Byrd Institute also recently awarded 19 research grants totaling $1.2 million. The Institute provides funding to scientists across Florida to improve collaboration in the effort to find a cure, treatment, or prevention of Alzheimer’s.

About Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s is a progressive, incurable neurological condition that attacks the brain and results in cognitive problems, such as memory loss, impaired thinking, and inappropriate or maladaptive behavior. It is the most common form of dementia.

Risk Factors

While researchers are continuing to learn more about possible preventions, they have learned there is a positive correlation between certain health factors or lifestyle choices and increased risk of developing Alzheimer's. These include:

• Smoking – This increases risk because it damages blood vessels and brain cells and increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.
• High blood pressure and high cholesterol - A person with high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels is 4 times more likely to get Alzheimer's disease.
• Diabetes - Diabetes means a 65 percent increased risk of developing Alzheimer's disease.
• Diet and exercise – Being overweight and having heart disease, high blood pressure and high cholesterol are all associated with a high risk for Alzheimer’s disease. A lifestyle that doesn’t include exercise, and a diet with lots of fats, salts and sugars also increases risk.
• Genetic predisposition – “Early onset” Alzheimer's (before age 65) is genetic. The relationship between late onset Alzheimer's and genetics is uncertain.
• Age - The risk of developing Alzheimer's increases with age. One out of 10 individuals age 65 or older has Alzheimer's. Half of all individuals who are older than 85 are victims of Alzheimer's.

Created in 2002 by the Florida Legislature, the Johnnie B. Byrd, Sr., Alzheimer’s Center & Research Institute is dedicated to supporting and coordinating the tremendous research, expertise and creative vision of scientific professionals all over Florida. The National Institutes of Health designated the Byrd Institute and the University of South Florida as the only Alzheimer’s disease Research Center in Florida, generating more than $7 million in research money. There are only 32 of these centers in the country, and Florida is one of only 21 states with centers that have earned the designation.

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