Brain inflammation from Alzheimer’s Disease. Courtesy/NIH, National Institute on Aging

New Mexico Consortium News:

More than 50 New Mexico researchers specializing in Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias will meet Wednesday in Albuquerque to discuss current research efforts and progress, as well as funding opportunities for continued research.

In order to promote collaborative research across the state, this workshop will bring together stakeholders from government, academia, industry, non-profit organizations, patient organizations and regulatory agencies to address challenges specific to New Mexico biomedical researchers working in the area of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementia, and to connect researchers to clinical trials and regulatory issues.

Among the group scheduled to meet are scientists, researchers and clinicians from Los Alamos National Laboratory, the New Mexico Consortium, University of New Mexico, New Mexico State University, New Mexico Technical Institute, New Mexico Highlands University, New Mexico State Department on Aging, New Mexico Alzheimer’s Association, UNM Health Sciences Center, UNM Memory and Aging Center, Retreat Healthcare and Albuquerque Neuroscience, Inc.

“New Mexico is in a unique position for advancement in basic science, clinical, and epidemiological research of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, due to the presence of two national laboratories, as well as many institutions of higher learning,” said Dr. Gnana Gnanakaran, a LANL scientist and one of the workshop organizers. 

The workshop, sponsored by the New Mexico Consortium, will address the need for research spanning all aspects of Alzheimer’s disease, and will address the goals in the NM State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias.

“Importantly, this workshop will facilitate identifying future research directions, and developing partnerships and collaborations among New Mexico research colleagues, with the overarching goal of seeking research funding,” Dr. Gnanakaran said.

The workshop organizers hope to make this an annual event, to coincide with the Alzheimer’s Association New Mexico Chapter’s Professional Conference, which is scheduled to occur immediately following the research workshop. For more information visit alz.org/newmexico.

About the New Mexico Consortium

The New Mexico Consortium (NMC) is an innovative effort to engage universities and industry in scientific research in the nation’s interest and to increase the role of Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) in science, education and economic development. This non-profit corporation formed by the three New Mexico research universities focuses on facilitating collaborations at the Laboratory interface.

The NMC leverages capabilities at LANL, universities and industry and provides agile and accountable operations to execute joint initiatives. The NMC develops and manages self-sustaining research facilities to support these joint initiatives. Through the NMC, the universities and LANL have developed more effective models to advance our nations interests and increase the impact of scientific research on the local and national economy.

For additional information, contact Chief Communication Officer Shannan Schnedler at 505.412.6898 or sschnedler@newmexicoconsortium.org.