Alzheimer’s research headlines 2026 brain health summit

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Over 130 community members gathered for a free Brain Health Summit hosted by the University of Hawaii John A. Burns School of Medicine for the Alzheimer’s Association.

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The event featured presentations on recent Alzheimer’s advancements, sharing lifestyle factors that support cognitive health, new blood biomarker testing, advances in diagnosis, disease-modifying treatments now available for eligible patients, and the importance of early detection.

The summit brought together healthcare professionals and community members, prioritizing Alzheimer’s prevention and detection methods, and emphasizing the importance of Alzheimer’s education.

“The future of Alzheimer’s care is changing,” said LJ Duenas, executive director of the Alzheimer’s Association Hawaii. “Today’s summit demonstrated that there is real hope right here in Hawaii. Research is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and we want families here to know there are more resources, more treatments, and more reasons than ever to seek answers early.”

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Over 100,000 Hawaii residents are affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and Hawaii has the fifth fastest-growing Alzheimer’s mortality rate nationwide.

For more information about Alzheimer’s disease, brain health, education programs, or support services, visit the Alzheimer’s Association online or call the Association’s free 24/7 Helpline at 800-272-3900.

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