Biology Professor Troy Rohn to Speak Around State on Alzheimer’s Disease
Biology Professor Troy Rohn to Speak Around State on Alzheimer’s Disease
By: Kathleen Tuck
A Boise State scientist and noted Alzheimer’s researcher will give talks about Alzheimer’s disease in three Idaho cities over the next two weeks.
Troy Rohn, professor of biological sciences and a charter member of the Idaho Alzheimer’s Planning Group, will talk with caregivers and other interested parties about how the disease progresses in patients and why Idaho should make it a public policy priority.
Rohn will speak in Lewiston, Idaho Falls and Twin falls. “Now that Baby Boomers are entering retirement age in record numbers, the number of Alzheimer’s patients is going to dramatically increase over time,” Rohn said. “Idaho needs to do all it can to make sure these patients and their caregivers get the help they need in ways that do not overwhelm our public health system and our state budget.”
In his talks, Rohn will address the major pathological “troublemakers” associated with Alzheimer’s and the molecular-level changes that occur throughout the course of the disease. He also will discuss treatment strategies currently in clinical trials and the work the planning group is doing to bring about a state plan for Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
Rohn’s speaking engagements include:
Nov. 15 – “Forget Me Not: An Alzheimer’s Project Conference.” 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 1212 19th Street, Lewiston, Idaho.
Nov. 29 – “Out of the Dark: The Cause and Effects of Alzheimer’s disease.” 9 a.m. to noon at 1250 Hollipark Drive, Idaho Falls.
Dec. 1 – “The Alzheimer’s, Dementia and Traumatic Brain Injury Caregivers Conference.” 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Herrett Center, College of Southern Idaho, Twin Falls.
In addition to these talks, Rohn, along with several members of the Idaho Alzheimer’s Planning Group, will give a presentation to Health Care Task Force of the Idaho State Legislature. This group, comprised of seven senators and seven representatives, reviews health care issues and makes recommendations related to health care legislation for the state. The presentation will take place at 1:45 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 17, in Room 41 of the East Wing of the Statehouse.
The Idaho Alzheimer’s Planning Group’s goal is to improve the spectrum of diagnosis, treatment and caregiver support services for Alzheimer’s patients through the development of a state plan.
