The public received an update from Alzheimer's advocates and researchers Thursday on the latest progress in dementia research during a webinar hosted by the Alzheimer's Association.

"Imagine you have all the holidays rolled up into one — like you have the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, New Year's Eve celebrations and the fireworks — and all these things are going on. That is what it feels like right now," said Keith Gibson, Director of Program Services for the Alzheimer's Association Southeast Florida Chapter, following the webinar.

Among the developments mentioned were this week's FDA approval of aducanumab, the first new drug to treat the disease in nearly 20 years, the U.S. POINTER Study, which is examining whether lifestyle changes can help prevent dementia, and the PACT Study, which is looking at whether cognitive training can do the same.

The University of South Florida is one of the sites conducting the PACT Study.

In this 2019 photo, a researcher works on the development of the medication aducanumab in Cambridge, Mass. (AP/Biogen)

"The biggest change I think we saw during the pandemic is in science communication and our ability to reach older adults in our community and beyond to communicate about the science that's happening and to educate and motivate participants," said Dr. Jennifer O'Brien, an associate professor in USF's Department of Psychology and a researcher on the study.

The importance of getting people to participate in research was stressed by both O'Brien and Gibson, especially when it comes to members of minority communities. O'Brien told webinar participants that Alzheimer's cases are expected to increase by 193% among Black patients — and 832% among Hipsanic and Latino patients — by 2060. She said that jump among the Hispanic/Latino population is due to a large amount of aging members of that group. Despite these communities being disproportionately impacted, O'Brien said about 90% of dementia trial participants are White.

"There is rapidly blossoming research on recruitment and retention with a really heavy focus on how do we reach minority older adults, how do we make it meaningful for them to both enroll and then stay enrolled in our studies," said O'Brien.

Gibson said the Alzheimer's Association has started a new campaign, "At Any Given Moment," to raise awareness about the research that's taking place and advances that can come about because of it. Their Trial Match tool helps connect people with customized lists of clinical trials that might be a good fit.

"The cure for Alzheimer's is going to be multi-domain. It's not just going to be medication," said Stefanie Wardlow, senior program manager for the Alzheimer's Association's Florida Gulf Coast Chapter. "You know, you go to the doctor and they say, 'Okay, this is what you need to prevent heart disease. Take this medication, but also here's a prescription to take care of your heart — exercise, diet. I believe and the Alzheimer's (Association) believes that's what we're going to see in the future."

If you're interested in participating in USF cognitive traininig studies in St. Pete, Tampa, and Lakeland, call (813) 974-6703.

O'Brien said educators are also willing to speak at churches and group events to inform communities about topics like brain health, dementia, and cognitive training.