Pre-Function | Battery Ballroo

Room Location: Battery Ballroom

Video: “The Wind Beneath My Wings”

Patient Storytelling:

Starring:

Keeba Jow, MS Patient | Marrianne Pattillo, Epilepsy Patient | Amy Behimer, MS Patient

Supporting Roles:

Jeffrey B. English, MD, Medical Director, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Lawrence Seiden, MD, Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Reuniting the Mind with the Heart Keynote Speaker: Dan Sorescu, MD

Associate Professor of Medicine | Emory University School of Medicine

Presentation Overview

The brain and the heart are more connected than we often realize—one influencing how we think, feel, move, and even how we heal. In this engaging presentation, Dr. Sorescu shines a spotlight on the vital relationship between these two organs and why protecting one means protecting both. Through relatable science and real-world examples, he explains how heart health affects brain health, how stress and inflammation play a role, and what patients, caregivers, and providers can do to strengthen this essential connection. Attendees will walk away with renewed understanding, practical tools, and hope for a healthier future.

The Brain Behind Your Well-Being: Empowering Patients Through Knowledge & Increasing Shared Decision-Making in Neuroscience Care and Emerging Technologies

Sessions Overview

Your brain is the command center of your body, orchestrating everything from movement and memory to mood and metabolism. In this session, we explore the vital role the brain plays in overall health, including how neurological function impacts cardiovascular health, immunity, mental resilience, and daily energy. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of how lifestyle choices, nutrition, exercise, and stress management directly influence brain health—and, in turn, overall well-being. These sessions emphasize practical strategies for supporting a healthy brain, empowering patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers to take proactive steps toward lifelong wellness.

Breakout Session | Topic #1 Using Your Head and Heart to Change Habits for Better

Neurological Health

Presenter: Amy Behimer, Pharm.D., NBC-HWC | Amy Behimer

Coaching

Location: Battery Room

People living with neurological conditions often know what lifestyle habits could support their health — the real challenge is consistently doing them in the face of fatigue, overwhelm, unpredictable symptoms, and heavy emotions. You will learn why sustainable habit change requires a partnership between the head and the heart, and how misalignment between the two silently drives inconsistency. Blending neuroscience, coaching psychology, and lived experience, you will hear simple, evidence-based strategies that make showing up for the things you can control in your health feel easier — even on hard days. You will learn how to “get the head and heart on the same page,” use emotions instead of fighting them, and build small, sustainable habits that improve energy, resilience, and quality of life.

Breakout Session | Topic #2 Disparities in Care

Presenter: TBD

Location: Smoltz Room

Access to quality neurological care is not experienced equally across all communities. Disparities in Care examines the social, economic, and systemic factors that create gaps in diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management for patients with neurological conditions. This session sheds light on the real-world challenges faced by underserved populations—including limited access to specialists, delays in diagnosis, financial barriers, and cultural or geographic obstacles. Attendees will explore emerging solutions, community partnerships, and strategies to promote equity in care. The goal is to foster understanding, ignite action, and support a healthcare landscape where every person has the opportunity to achieve the best possible brain health.

Breakout Session | Topic #3 The Heart of Caregiving

Presenters:

Debra Bangasser, Ph.D., Professor of Neuroscience, Georgia Research Alliance Distinguished Investigator, and Director of the Center for Behavioral Neuroscience | Georgia State University

Cloud Q. Conrad, Director, Program Development | Beyond Dementia Coalition

Location: Glavine Room

Caregiving is one of the most meaningful—and often most challenging—roles a person can hold. The Heart of Caregiving explores the emotional, physical, and relational dimensions of supporting a loved one with a neurological condition. This session shines a light on the resilience, compassion, and strength that caregivers bring to everyday life, while also addressing stress, uncertainty, and burnout that can accompany the caregiving journey. Attendees will gain practical strategies for maintaining well-being, strengthening communication, building support networks, and finding purpose and balance along the way. This session honors caregivers as essential partners in care and empowers them with tools to thrive—not just survive—through every stage of the journey.

Breakout Session | Topic #4 Clinical Trials at Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Presenters:

Joash Lazura, MD, Neurologist | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Folayan J. Morehead, DNP, MSN, RN, Director of Clinical Research | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Location: Niekro Room

Clinical Trials at ANI: Facts and Myths: A special session will address one of the most important—and often misunderstood—topics in modern medicine: clinical trials. This essential discussion will dispel common myths, explain how trials are conducted at the Atlanta Neuroscience Institute, and emphasize the critical role patients play in advancing new treatments. Attendees will learn how participation works, how safety is ensured, and how clinical trials lead directly to improved therapies for MS, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, epilepsy, and other neurological disorders.

Room Location: Battery Ballroom & Prefunction Area

Exhibit Overview

Discover the latest in neuroscience research, treatments, and patient support. Engage with experts, explore interactive displays, and connect with organizations dedicated to improving brain health. The Exhibit Hall is your hub for learning, networking, and inspiration at World Neuroscience Day.

Session Overview

“Unlocking knowledge, inspiring hope, and empowering lives in the fight against neurological disease.”

Our Lunch & Learn sessions with the Docs highlight the latest advances in Multiple Sclerosis, NMOSD, Parkinson’s, Tardive Dyskinesia, Alzheimer’s, and Epilepsy. Experts will share insights on treatment breakthroughs, symptom management, and strategies to improve quality of life for patients and caregivers. These sessions aim to educate and empower attendees, fostering understanding, awareness, and collaboration across the neurological community.

Patient Education: Multiple Sclerosis | NMOSD

Presenter:

Jeffrey B. English, MD, Neurologist | Medical Director, Atlanta Neuroscience

Institute

Location: Battery Room

Patient Education: Parkinson’s | Movement Disorders |

Tardive Dyskinesia

Presenters:

Joash T. Lazarus, MD, Neurologist | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Yulia Salamatova, DO, Neurologist | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

John Tumeh, MD, Psychiatrist | Founder — Foundation Psychiatry, P.C.

Program Partner: American Parkinson’s Disease Association

Location: Smoltz Room

Patient Education: Alzheimer’s

Presenter:

Douglas S. Stuart, MD, Neurologists | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Location: Glavine Room

Patient Education: Epilepsy

Presenter:

Lawrence G. Seiden, MD, Neurologist | Atlanta Neuroscience Institute

Room Location: Niekro Room