On September 26th, 2025, more than 200 community members gathered in Downey for a powerful day of learning, storytelling, and connection at the “Advances in Alzheimer’s Research” conference. The program focused entirely on supporting and informing the Spanish-speaking community about Alzheimer’s disease—risk reduction, available treatments, and opportunities to participate in clinical research.
We were especially proud to see our own UCI MIND’s Dr. Christian Salazar, Associate Researcher, and Dr. Maria Corona, Neuropsychologist, as members of the distinguished panel, alongside Drs. Maria Aranda of USC, John Ringman of USC, and Mirella Diaz-Santos of UCLA.
All presentations were delivered in Spanish to respect the community’s language preferences, while translation equipment was available for those who felt more comfortable engaging in English.
A Lively and Engaged Audience
Thanks to strong outreach through local churches, caregiving support groups, and community partners, the audience reflected a vibrant cross-section of families, caregivers, and older adults—many monolingual Spanish speakers eager to learn and ask questions. Engagement was high throughout the day:
● Lively Q&A sessions brought curiosity and personal stories to the conversation with electronic polling devices allowed participants to share their thoughts in real time
Stories from the Heart
While the morning panels featured researchers sharing valuable knowledge, the afternoon took on a deeply personal tone. A panel of current research participants—caregivers, individuals living well with mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and those at higher risk for Alzheimer’s—shared their lived experiences.
They spoke candidly about what it’s like to join a clinical trial or study: what they’ve learned, what they might do differently, and what they hope others will take away from their journeys. Their stories gave the audience not only practical insights but also hope and encouragement.
One unforgettable moment came when a participant living with MCI, inspired by the day’s atmosphere of trust and connection, spontaneously sang a beautiful Cuban song about “Cuba de mi Corazón”. The heartfelt performance brought warmth and even a few tears to the room, reminding everyone that living with Alzheimer’s risk or diagnosis does not diminish one’s spirit or cultural pride.
A Clear Message: The Community Wants to Learn
The day’s high attendance, enthusiastic participation, and moving testimonials reaffirmed something we’ve long known but can’t say enough: the Spanish-speaking community is deeply interested in learning more about Alzheimer’s disease, dementia risk reduction, treatment, and research opportunities.
Looking Ahead
Together, we’re building bridges to ensure that everyone, regardless of language or background, has access to the knowledge and resources they need to support brain health.
