This session will focus on the roles electrophysiological technologies and how methods can play in the discovery and development of new treatments for Alzheimer's disease (AD). The most sensitive biomarkers available now are invasive or costly, and most do not relate directly to cognition, or translate well between humans and animals. These problems limit the development of better treatments for AD at all stages, from pre-clinical research to late-stage clinical trials. A brief overview of the challenges faced by pharmaceutical companies in drug discovery will be provided within the session. Participants will see presentations on new data and will learn about recent advances in electrophysiological methods that hold promise in addressing the need for better biomarkers. The session will feature invited presentations from researchers working in both clinical and pharmaceutical sectors, with ample opportunity for interaction and discussion. Part of the EPIA event will also be devoted to networking and those with research related to electrophysiology are strongly encouraged to present their findings in poster format.  

Who should attend? Anyone with an interest in how electroencephalography (EEG) could help to bridge the translation gap between humans and animals, and how EEG could contribute to functional biomarkers of AD and detecting drug effects in humans.

Agenda:

• 12:30 - 12:40 p.m. Welcome, William McGeown
• 12:40 - 1 p.m. Wilhelmus (Pim) Drinkenburg, Janssen Pharmaceutica, Beerse, Belgium
• 1 - 1:20 p.m. Mario Cecchi, Neuronetrix, Louisville, Ky., United States
• 1:20 - 1:40 p.m. Vasileios Papaliagkas, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
• 1:40 - 2 p.m. Claudio Babiloni, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
• 2 – 2:30 p.m. Discussion