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Penn Familial Conference: Uncovering the Genetics of FTD/ALS Feb. 28, 2023

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Registration is now open for the annual Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Familial Conference: Uncovering the Genetics of FTD/ALS. This event will be held virtually Tuesday, February 28, 2023.

The annual Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration (FTD) Familial Conference: Uncovering the Genetics of FTD/ALS will be held virtually on Tuesday, February 28, 2023, from 3:00 to 5:30 p.m. Eastern (12:00-2:30 p.m. Pacific). Registration is now open.

This is the third familial conference hosted by the University of Pennsylvania’s FTD Center.

The live event will address the challenges and situations that occur due to familial or genetic disease, in particular, people living with or at risk for FTD/ALS. It will feature presentations by David J. Irwin, M.D., assistant professor of neurology with Penn Medicine, as well as genetic counselors and other professionals.

While the conference focuses on the needs of persons at risk or persons diagnosed, anyone interested is invited to attend, including support persons, health care providers, and others.

This event is offered free of charge, however, at registration there is an option to make a gift to the Penn FTD Center Patient & Caregiver Education Fund.

If you have any questions about the conference or for presenters to answer during the event, contact Olivia Vozzella at Olivia.Vozzella@Pennmedicine.upenn.edu. You also can ask questions during the Q&A sessions.

AGENDA

The conference features sessions on disease basics, genetics, genetic counseling, and genetic testing. The tentative sessions and Penn FTD Center presenters include:

  • Opening Remarks and Introduction of Sponsors and Speakers
    David Irwin, MD
  • FTD & ALS 101
    David Irwin, MD
  • Genetics & Genetic Counseling in FTD-ALS Spectrum Disorders
    Laynie Dratch, ScM, CGC
  • Q&A
  • Panel: Predictive genetic testing: Do you really want to know?
    Volunteer panelists
  • Q&A
  • Special Topics Blitz Conversations with Q&A in Chat
    • Reproductive Considerations
      Kelsey Johnson, MS, CGC, and Rachel Paul, MS, CGC
    • Participating in observational research
      Julia Kwiecinski and Laynie Dratch, ScM, CGC
    • Strategies for support 
      Kate Lietz, LSW, MSW, and Aaron Baldwin, MS, CGC
  • Closing Remarks
    Lauren Massimo, PhD, CRNP

A secure link to access the live event will be included in your registration confirmation email and reminder emails prior to the conference.

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