This year, more than 10,000 neurologists and basic researchers from all over the world are converging on the stunningly beautiful city of Vancouver to attend the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 68th annual meeting. Over the next few days, they’ll be resisting the temptation to hike in the nearby mountains or stroll along the winding ocean-side paths to focus on presenting their latest cutting-edge work to peers, exchange information and ideas, and form collaborations with the goal of advancing diagnosis and treatment of neurological diseases. The conference also offers intensive education programming so that clinicians can test their knowledge and stay up to date on the best clinical practices for disease treatment and management.
Although multiple sclerosis is one of many topics that will be covered at AAN alongside dementia, epilepsy, stroke, neuromuscular disorders and other neurological diseases, there are plenty of seminars and poster sessions about MS to keep the research team and I busy over the next several days. Among the topics to be covered include: new insights from animal and cell models, treatment strategies and clinical outcomes, risk factors, advanced imaging techniques, pediatric MS, and the latest findings from clinical trials. Of course, Canadian researchers will be represented in strong numbers at the various sessions – a true testament to Canada’s reputation of punching above its weight when it comes to the breadth and depth of its MS research productivity.
Be sure to check in frequently for routine updates as I distill down the scientific details into digestible summaries and key findings. Follow me on Twitter at @Dr_KarenLee (hashtag: #AANAM) for live updates as they unfold. And of course, drop any comments or questions below.