Dr. Meenakshi Patel has been in practice as a board-certified geriatrician in Dayton since 1987. According to Valley Medical Primary Care, Dr. Patel “is the Medical Director of several nursing homes and is also Assistant Professor of Medicine at the Wright State University, Boonshoft School of Medicine.” Dr. Patel is also the Director of Geriatrics Medicine Program at the Miami Valley Hospital.
Dr. Patel is very involved in the research portion of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. This July she attended the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC). The AAIC is the world’s largest forum for the dementia research community. Over the week-long event research was presented, study results and theories were discussed, and international care providers gathered together. Below are some thoughts Dr. Patel has on the AAIC and current research in the Alzheimer’s and dementia field.
- What new research findings from AAIC did you find most interesting or inspiring?
There are medications showing promise in Phase 2 trials against amyloid plaques. This is exciting new, especially because Phase 3 trials are on the way. I believe the timeline for a new product that could help with this disease is maybe 2-3 years away. These agents help very early on in the disease so we need volunteers who are early in the course of the disease to participate in these trials. Many of these trials are being done in sites here in Dayton and this is truly a phenomenal opportunity for those who want to help the community at large and may get a personal benefit as well. To learn more about trial match, visit alz.org/trialmatch.
- What was the coolest thing about your AAIC experience?
The diversity of the people there, and the enthusiasm and undying faith that a breakthrough will be here soon. There are so many different types of research models in various parts of the world. A mutual respect among colleagues no matter what their role in helping to fight this disease was present throughout the conference.
- Why should people get more involved in research?
It is a great opportunity to have first-hand experience with ground breaking research in a disease state where the current treatments are very limited in what they can offer. We are fortunate to have a couple of active sites in Dayton itself that are involved in cutting edge research. Without volunteers, it is impossible to complete the studies and the dream of finding a cure becomes more distant. We all need to do our part to help make a cure a reality in our lifetime.
- What is your favorite book, movie, song, or hobby?
A lighter book on this topic of dementia is “Elizabeth is Missing” by Emma Healy. It still touches the soul and makes good reading. My all time favorite movie is still “My fair Lady.”
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