Alzheimer Day Call for Abstracts
Submit your abstract by Friday, March 14, 2025
The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease invites Northwestern University faculty and staff conducting research in aging, Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, as well as related neurosciences, to participate in the 31st Annual Alzheimer Day on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at the Embassy Suites - Chicago Downtown River North.
Please note that Alzheimer Day is hosted for the broader community including research participants, individuals living with dementia and their families, as well as the scientific community.
Anyone with ties to the Northwestern community is invited to submit an abstract (including Northwestern faculty, staff, trainees, students, and community partners). The focus of this poster session is to highlight research and projects relevant to aging, Alzheimer's Disease, other dementias or related neurosciences. Early submissions are encouraged.
Abstract submitters will be invited to present a poster during the event on Thursday, May 15 from 1:00 - 2:30 PM.
Poster Categories
- Cell & Molecular Biology
- Clinical Best Practices
- Clinicopathologic Studies
- Community Engagement
- Health Services
- Neuroanatomy
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Physiology
- Recruitment Science
- Social and Behavioral Sciences
Submission Requirements
- Abstract text should detail purpose, methodology, and findings. Click here to view a sample template. All submissions should include the following information: Abstract Title, Authors, Author Affiliations, Abstract Content, and Lay Language Summary.
- Please limit abstract text to 375 words or less (not including the lay language summary). The lay language summary should be between 80-150 words. Do not include any graphics or images in your abstract.
- Submit your abstract as a Microsoft Word document and save your file with the following naming convention: "Last Name_AbstractTitle_Date.docx." PDFs will not be accepted.
- All abstracts must be received by Friday, March 14, 2025.
The Marie and Carl Duncan Prize for research will be presented to the investigator with the most meritorious contribution. The winner will receive a certificate of award and $250.
Helpful Tips for Submitting Your Lay Language Summary
Consider these tips as you are preparing your submission for Alzheimer Day.
- Imagine you are speaking to someone about your research, just as you would at a poster presentation. How would you explain it to the lay audience? What is the impact of this research and why is it important? What are the implications?
- Explain your work. Is there an analogy that makes it approachable and makes your technical work more relatable?
- Framework to consider: Explain what is known, what is unknown, and what was learned.
- Below are a few examples:
- Primary progressive aphasia is a neurodegenerative disease in which patients slowly and gradually lose their language functions (like speaking, understanding and writing). The cause for primary progressive aphasia is not known yet. In this study we used DNA data to identify potential causes for this disease. We were able to find that genes that caused differences between the left and right sides of the brain might be playing a role in the progression of this disease. Our finding will help understand the underpinning mechanisms of this disease and shed the light on genetic and molecular pathways that can be targeted to find treatments.
- Primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is a syndrome of progressive language impairment caused by neurodegenerative disease. There has not been many studies investigating the role of deeper brain structures known as basal ganglia in PPA. In this study we investigate whether connection between basal ganglia and brain language region are increased and whether this pattern is different in different causes of PPA.
- Other University Resources for translating your research for the lay audience: