We Have Great Sessions Planned for 2021! |
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Hi [First Name],
There is just over a month until we get together virtually for the biggest Ataxia conference of the year. We look forward to seeing you there! Register for AAC before February 15th and we’ll send you this limited edition NAF face mask.
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We put together a comprehensive line up of sessions on topics that address the challenges of living with Ataxia. Each session will be led by an expert in the field or community member, offering valuable insights which can be used to help you manage your health. |
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Ataxia Drug Treatment Targets and Pipeline
Keynote Session
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Susan Perlman, MD
Pharmaceutical companies describe the drug development process as a “pipeline.” Now that we have emerging Ataxia medications “in the pipeline” – we need to know that that means. Dr. Perlman will take us through the process and help us understand how a rare disease fits into the model systems that pharmaceutical companies use to get a medication to the market.
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Understanding Gene Therapies for Ataxia 101
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Marie Davis, MD, PhD
Basic background information on the strategy of gene therapies that are in development for treating various genetic forms of Ataxia, as well as evidence so far on the safety and efficacy of these therapeutic strategies in related neurogenetic conditions
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Ataxia Conference Newcomers
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Dana Mauro and Joel Sutherland
You registered to attend your first Ataxia Conference. Now what? Are you wondering where to begin? What the conference is all about? How to schedule your time? What information or sessions would be the most useful to you? Interested in networking and meeting others who have similar questions? This session is for you. It is aimed at helping anyone who may be looking for advice on how to maximize their time and get the most out of the conference. You will leave feeling more familiar with conference topics, events, and breakout sessions. You’ll be able to plan out a schedule and even build in some time to relax and have fun!
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Newly Diagnosed with Ataxia
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Pravin Khemani, MD, FAAN
So you have been newly diagnosed with Ataxia, now what? This session will discuss what it means to be diagnosed with Ataxia and some next steps to consider, including finding care and support. You will learn about living with a progressive type of Ataxia, joining patient registries, and participating in research to help end Ataxia.
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Research – the Key to Unmasking Ataxia
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Vikram Shakkottai, MD, PhD and Susan Hagen
Since the founding of NAF, research to determine the cause and cure for Ataxia has been an important part of our mission. In this session, you will learn about NAF’s current research initiatives and NAF grant awardees research results. Find out how you can participate in research and what is envisioned for the future of Ataxia research.
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Standards of Clinical Care for Ataxia
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Theresa Zesiewicz, MD, FAAN
Information about treatment for Ataxia has been constantly changing, especially in the last few years. So, what are your options? Learn about current medical treatments available for Ataxia, including medication therapy.
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Single with Ataxia
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Kyle Bryant, Carli Hanson, and Courtney Ng
In this session you will hear from community members that are single and have Ataxia. Listen in as they openly share their stories and the strategies they use to have connections, support, and fun.
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Married with Ataxia
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Chuck and Ondie Mitchell, Matthew and Jeannette Viveiros, John and Dana Mauro
Do you or your spouse/partner have Ataxia? In this session you will hear from other couples on a similar journey. Listen in as they openly share their stories and the strategies they use to keep their relationships happy and strong.
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Family Planning Options
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Kelsey Poor, Meghan McNally, Emily Todd, MS, CDC, and Huda Zoghbi, MD, PhD
This session is designed for prospective parents, families, or others who are interested in learning more about reproductive options.
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Living and Coping with Ataxia
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Kelly Rutledge, Mark Desa, and Letitia Diggs
In this session, the speakers with Ataxia will share their strategies to live and cope with Ataxia.
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Exciting New Developments in the Cognitive Neuroscience of the Cerebellum
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Jeremy Schmahmann, MD, FAAN, FANA, FANPA
Learn about the latest from research on cognitive neuroscience of the cerebellum.
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Ask a Social Worker: Insurance, Coverage, and Navigating Care
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Maneesha Finkle, LMSW
This presentation will be focused on insurance coverage and accessing needed care for individuals diagnosed with Ataxia. Included will be limitations and challenges in coverage of services and suggestions for coordinating needs appropriately. Specific areas that will be addressed include: genetic testing, therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy, durable medical equipment, home modifications, and applying for disability insurance.
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Pediatric Ataxias
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Kristin Barañano, MD PhD and David Lynch, MD PhD
This session will answer frequently asked questions about how to recognize Ataxia in children and the appropriate diagnostic pathway. The speakers will discuss the importance of achieving a diagnosis for those situations where specific treatments are available and guidelines for management even in the absence of a specific diagnosis.
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Navigating the Diagnostic Journey
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George "Chip" Wilmot, MD, PhD and Matthew Bower, MS, LGC
There are hundreds of specific diseases that can cause Ataxia, so when a patient is diagnosed with “Ataxia” it is often just the beginning of a confusing journey to define which subtype they have. This session will explore this diagnostic journey and provide insights on what patients should expect when navigating it.
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Ataxia Support Groups and Other Opportunities to Get Involved with NAF
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Lori Shogren, Joel Sutherland, Stephanie Wilkins, and Mike DeRosa
In this session we will hear from Support Group Leaders Stephanie Wilkins and Mike DeRosa in addition to NAF Staff Lori Shogren and Joel Sutherland. They will discuss the various programs you can consider getting involved in and the impact your involvement has on others in the Ataxia community and advancing the mission of NAF.
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Wondering what to expect from our virtual conference? Check out the sneak peek webinar to learn more.
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Thank you to our sponsors for their support |
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Interested in sponsoring or exhibiting at our virtual event?
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