The Importance of Social and Environmental Determinants of Health on Neurodegenerative Diseases

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

8:00 AM - 9:00 AM

Location: ROOM: Conference Room 4B >>> DIRECTIONS Fourth Floor >>> From the Main Elevator Bank, proceed left. Room 4D is at the end of the corridor, after taking a right just before Room 4-D. Walk past Room 4A; Room 4B is the second door on the right.

Corresponding Presenter(s)

Brian Downer, PhD

Associate Professor
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, Texas, United States

Slides Slides

Presenter(s)

HO

Helen Onuorah

Medical Student
University of Texas Medical Branch
Galveston, TX, United States
Mark A. Hirsch, PhD, FACRM, FPRD

Senior Scientist
Atrium Health
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States

Slides Slides

This session will discuss the importance that social and environmental determinants of health have on the risk, onset, progression, and rehabilitation of neurodegenerative diseases.

Learning Objectives:

Identify specific environmental neurotoxins associated with increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases and explain their proposed biological mechanisms of action.
Analyze the relationship between neighborhood socioeconomic factors and access to clinical trials and healthcare facilities for individuals with neurodegenerative diseases.
Develop strategies for rehabilitation medicine professionals to address social and environmental health determinants that impact prevention, progression, and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.