The Emory Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) was awarded a $50,000 grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation to provide education and training on brain health and offer memory screenings for older adults in metro Atlanta.

The event will bring together top experts in cognitive health management and clinical research programs. The forum, which is open to the public, will be held on Saturday, May 30, 2015, beginning at 8:00 a.m. at Antioch-Lithonia Missionary Baptist Church located at 2152 Rock Chapel Road, Lithonia, Ga.

The forum will include keynote lectures and panel discussions and lunch will be provided. Admission is free; however registration is required and can be accessed by visiting www.antiochcaregiving.eventbrite.com.

As part of the program, the ADRC will provide memory screenings and present information about how chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and obesity impact your brain's health. Topics will also include age-related risks that affect men and women, programs and support services that can improve the quality of life for older adults and caregiving information.

"Studies show that one out every 9 Americans 65 and older have Alzheimer's disease and so it is important to educate communities about maintaining brain health," says Monica W. Parker, MD, of Emory University School of Medicine. "This grant from the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia Foundation will allow us to continue our work and share information about research opportunities."

About the Emory Alzheimer's Disease Research Center

The Emory Alzheimer's Disease Research Center (ADRC) is the only National Institutes of Health designated ADRC in the Southeast, signifying the highest status an institution can receive in Alzheimer's research and care.  Emory's ADRC is a magnet for patients in the region, a catalyst for research and a vital source of training and education for the community and other professionals.