Chicago State University and the Greater Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association recently invited dozens or area health care professionals to the Alzheimer’s Disease: Translating Research into Care conference.

The Translating Research into Care conference provided attendees with an overview of the current state of Alzheimer research, from biomedical research to psychosocial approaches to care. Attendees also heard lectures on how to make the connection between research and clinical practice; as well as programs, initiatives and tools designed to promote patient/client access to research; and heard about evidenced-based practices to help them provide better care for those with dementia and their families.

Attendees also had a chance to interact with CSU students and faculty who are engaged in research related to Alzheimer's and dementia.

The Alzheimer's Association partnered with CSU in part to help foster more research opportunities in African-American communities. African-Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with Alzheimer's or dementia.