The role of biological indicators, or biomarkers, in the diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease will be discussed at the annual Alzheimer’s Research Update at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 5 at the Jewish Community Center in Creve Coeur.

Local expert Dr. John Morris will present information that suggests biomarkers may indicate underlying brain changes that precede symptoms of Alzheimer’s. Washington University researchers are preparing to conduct one of the first clinical trials aimed at preventing or delaying the onset of the disease – before patients ever exhibit symptoms – by measuring these biomarkers in individuals who are at risk for a rare, genetic form of the disease. Success could result in a paradigm shift in Alzheimer’s prevention and treatment.

“Although results from current studies of experimental therapies for Alzheimer’s disease have been discouraging, there is now much hope that these same therapies may be effective when administered earlier in the disease course with the goal of preventing dementia,” Morris said.

Morris is Director of the Charles F. and Joanne Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center, Memory and Aging Project at Washington University School of Medicine. He is also Harvey A. and Dorismae Hacker Friedman Distinguished Professor of Neurology, Professor of Physical Therapy, and Professor of Occupational Therapy.

Morris will take questions from the audience after his presentation. The annual update is co-sponsored by the Adult Day Center at the Jewish Community Center, the Alzheimer’s Association, ElderLink St. Louis, St. Louis NORC and Covenant/CHAI.

The evening is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are requested: contact Sarah Zoller at [email protected] or 314-442-3261. Light refreshments will be served.