CLEVELAND – This year marks the 100^th anniversary of the first case of what we now call Alzheimer’s disease. Currently there are 4.5 million Americans (18 million worldwide) with the disease, and these figures are estimated to double by the year 2025.

“As we mark the 100th anniversary of Alzheimer's, it is time to think broadly and reflect deeply on the meaning of Alzheimer's for individuals and society. In my view the power of community to re-imagine the processes of brain aging combined with an appreciation of the limits of science and medicine will allow us to address our aging-associated cognitive challenges,” said Peter J. Whitehouse, M.D., Ph.D., director of integrative studies and professor of neurology at the University Center for Memory and Aging, a center of University Hospitals and Case Western Reserve University.

University Hospitals Extended Care Campus (formerly Heather Hill) is co-hosting a major conference November 6 and 7 with University Center on Aging and Health; Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing; Case School of Medicine, and Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Chapter. The conference, “Reflecting on 100 Years of Alzheimer’s: The Global Impact on Quality of Lives” will feature many speakers who represent the best that the world has to offer in understanding the global challenges created by the disease. Representing Australia, Canada, China, Great Britain, Japan, Mexico and the United States, the experts will discuss diagnosis, management and care of persons with dementia across disciplines now and in the future. The conference, bringing together more than 350 participants, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Cleveland City Centre.