Recently I had the pleasure of joining a panel of epilepsy experts at CURE’s Day of Science in Philadelphia. It was a terrific opportunity for those affected by epilepsy to connect with researchers and clinicians to learn about the most recent epilepsy research.
During the panel discussion, the audience had the opportunity to ask the experts questions about the process of finding a cure and how the epilepsy community can help advance research. Afterwards, the conversation between panelists and attendees continued in small group discussions. Several CURE grant recipients attended the event and contributed their thoughts on the importance of recent research.
It was heartwarming to see the positive impact that CURE’s Day of Science in Philadelphia had on those with epilepsy, and to see people leave the event feeling hopeful and inspired.
There will be more Day of Science events around the US this year, and you can find details about them in this update. Read on to also learn about: how Seizure Tracker integrates with Amazon Alexa; a free epilepsy webinar; applying to host a CURE-funded seminar; and our 20th Annual Chicago Benefit.
Record Seizure Activity with Seizure Tracker and Amazon Alexa
Voice control systems like Amazon Alexa have the potential to help improve access to electronic seizure diaries while increasing the accuracy of epilepsy-related data. Now Seizure Tracker can be used with Amazon Alexa voice commands to record the start and end times of seizures. Seizure Tracker logs data gathered from the Amazon Alexa, allowing patients to create and share reports with their doctors.
CURE’s Epilepsy Genetics Initative (EGI) is partnered with Seizure Tracker to enable patients and physicians to monitor seizure activity and understand its relationship with epilepsy-related treatments. Patients with information in both EGI and Seizure Tracker can now link their data and share it with researchers to advance our understanding of epilepsy.
Mark Your Calendar for the Next Day of Science Events
CURE’s 2018 Day of Science events continue this month! At these free, educational events, a panel of epilepsy experts will discuss:
- Medical Treatment Options
- Epilepsy Genetics
- Epilepsy Devices and Technology
- Infantile Spasms and the Intractable Childhood Epilepsies
Day of Science is a unique opportunity to speak with local physicians and to connect with families in the epilepsy community.
Registration is now open for Day of Science Chicago on Saturday, June 16.
Save the date for CURE’s Day of Science events in the following cities:
- Los Angeles – September 29
- Raleigh-Durham – October 27
- Miami – November 3
- Houston – TBD
Interested in volunteering? Please contact the Day of Science team at DOS@CUREepilepsy.org or 312-255-1801.
We are grateful to our sponsors Sunovion Pharmaceuticals and Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals. With their support, CURE’s Day of Science events are free to all those in the epilepsy community.
Free Webinar on Epilepsy, Memory, and Aging
Join us for a free webinar discussing Epilepsy’s Impact on Memory and Cognition Over Time on Monday, July 9, at 1:00PM CT. This presentation focuses on the course of cognitive and memory aging in people with chronic epilepsy, and factors that contribute to healthy cognitive and brain aging.
The webinar will be presented by Dr. Bruce Hermann, an expert in brain and cognitive aging. During a Q&A session with Dr. Hermann, you can ask questions like:
- Can any measures be taken to prevent or combat the cognitive decline that accompanies getting older with epilepsy?
- Does research suggest specific therapies to help prevent memory loss associated with epilepsy?
- Are certain individuals with epilepsy more likely to experience cognitive decline as they age than others?
CURE Champion Spotlight: Dr. Patrice Jackson-Ayotunde Discovers New Chemical Formula to Treat Epilepsy
CURE Champions are people who are making a difference all over the US by hosting events to support CURE. Today we’re featuring CURE Champion Patrice Jackson-Ayotunde, PhD, and her recent fundraising and epilepsy research accomplishments.
Dr. Jackson-Ayotunde is Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences at University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES). After 7 years of research, she and her graduate student discovered a chemical formula that could lead to a new treatment for people with drug-resistant epilepsy. While their discovery recently received a US Patent, funding is needed to begin clinical research before this formula can be developed as a treatment for patients.
Read more about Dr. Jackson-Ayotunde’s discovery.
Dr. Jackson-Ayotunde and the Pharmacy Student Government Association Executive Board members support CURE with the Annual 5k Strides for Epilepsy at UMES. Dr. Jackson-Ayotunde and the UMES School of Pharmacy and Health Professionals have promoted epilepsy awareness and raised funds for promising epilepsy research with this event for the past 5 years. Because of their efforts, Mayor Jake Day made an appearance at this year’s 5k and officially declared March 24 Epilepsy Awareness Day in Salisbury, MD.
CURE Champion Dr. Jackson-Ayotunde truly embodies our mission. We are so grateful for her and all our CURE Champions around the US who are using their talents to increase epilepsy awareness and raise funds to support our shared mission of finding a cure for epilepsy.
Learn how you can become a CURE Champion.
CURE Seminar Series Application Deadline Extended through June 26
The CURE Frontiers in Research Seminar Series application deadline has been extended to Tuesday, June 26. If you are a researcher or physician, apply now to host a CURE-funded seminar at your institution.
Approximately 10 seminars at different institutions are sponsored by CURE each academic year with one goal: to present cutting-edge epilepsy research to a wide audience of researchers, young investigators, students, and interested supporters.
The CURE Frontiers in Research Seminar Series is made possible thanks to the generous support of the Nussenbaum-Vogelstein family.
Decisions will be announced in July.
Learn More and Apply Now
20th Annual Chicago Benefit Save the Date: October 15, 2018
We are celebrating 20 years of CURE’s impact and emerging discoveries at the 20th Annual Chicago Benefit on October 15, 2018 at Navy Pier. This event will feature a reception, dinner, and music performance from a very special guest. For sponsorship and underwriting opportunities, please contact Mia Beans at Mia.Beans@CUREepilepsy.org or 312-626-1798.
Next CURE Events
2018 PAME Conference (CURE-Sponsored) – June 14
Day of Science Chicago – June 16
CURE Night at Fifth Third Field – June 23
Webinar: Epilepsy’s Impact on Memory and Cognition Over Time – July 9