Researchers from the Roskamp Institute in Sarasota presented a series of findings at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in Los Angeles, held in July.
Roskamp is focused on understanding the causes of and finding treatments for brain disorders and addictions. The institute’s research is aimed at developing disease-modifying therapies.
Laila Abdullah was one of the Roskamp researchers who presented at the conference, along with Cheryl Brandi and Charis Ringland.
Abdullah says the team is examining the potential role of fat utilization by the brain to determine how deficits in the process may contribute to Alzheimer’s disease onset and progression.
The researchers presented their findings to researchers and others at the conference. “There was a lot of interest in this work,” Abdullah tells Coffee Talk. “People are thinking outside of the box and saying, ‘what else is going on that we need to pay attention to?’”
The impact of presenting at the conference didn’t end when the event was over. Along with it being an opportunity to educate people on their research, the conference also presented a chance for the Sarasota team to network with others in the field and possibly pave the way for future collaborations.
Abdullah says, “That’s a big part of attending these meetings — showcasing your work and trying to find people with abilities and skills you may not have at your own institute to grow the project further.”