25th Annual Neuropsychology Day and Brenda Milner Lecture
The 25th Annual Neuropsychology Day and Brenda Milner Lecture honour the career and achievements of Professor Brenda Milner, an eminent cognitive neuroscientist and pioneer of the discipline of neuropsychology.
We are pleased to welcome Dr. Bruce Miller as the keynote speaker for the event. Dr. Miller is a prominent neurologist who will be delivering the 25th Brenda Milner Lecture, titled 'Neurobiological Basis of Psychosis'.
Keynote Speaker: Dr. Bruce Miller
A.W. and Mary Margaret Clausen Distinguished Professor in Neurology; Director,
Memory and Aging Center; Founding Director, Global Brain Health Institute, UCSF
Register here
Streaming: link - live stream begins at 2 pm, no Q&A function
Talk Abstract:
15–100/100,000 people develop psychosis each year, at a cost of $280 to $340 billion per year. The scientific community has made little progress in understanding and treating schizophrenia over the years. Genes and environment interact to determine symptoms that typically include delusions, hallucinations, thought disorders, blunted affect, and inappropriate behavior. The causes of schizophrenia include genetic risks, differences in brain development, in utero viral infections, and other developmental stressors or trauma. Autoimmune diseases, metabolic conditions, and neurological disorders can also play a role in psychosis. It is important to understand the different subtypes of psychosis and their corresponding anatomical and neurochemical differences, as this will impact treatment. Specific brain regions, such as the frontal and temporal lobes, basal ganglia, and thalamus, are involved in different forms of psychosis. Frontal and anterior temporal lobe dysfunction underlies false beliefs, hallucinations, and delusions in psychosis. Studying the biology of beliefs could provide insights into the development and treatment of primary psychiatric disorders. Overall, there is a critical need for early screening, prevention, and targeted therapies for psychosis. A comprehensive approach that combines neurology, psychiatry, and genetics as well as community engagement will advance our understanding and treatment of psychosis.
Key Points:
1. Psychosis is a prevalent and costly health problem, with a lifetime incidence of 3% and an estimated cost of $280 to $340 billion per year in the United States.
2. The causes of schizophrenia include genetic risks, differences in brain development, in utero viral infections, and other developmental stressors or trauma.
3. Psychosis can be part of brain disorders of late life, such as Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and frontotemporal dementia.
4. Different types of psychosis are associated with different anatomical and neurochemical abnormalities in the brain, such as atrophy in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, cingulate cortex, and medial and superior temporal lobe.
Learning Objectives:
1. Understand the complex nature of psychosis and its association with various neurological and psychiatric disorders.
2. Recognize the importance of genetic factors and brain anatomy in the development of psychosis.
3. Consider the potential for early screening and intervention in individuals at risk for psychosis.
Program Booklet
Download Program Booklet (coming soon)
Monday, May 6, 2024
| 12:30-13:45 | Lunch & Poster Session #1 |
| 14:00 |
Oral Presentations - 8 minutes each with 2 minutes for questions Welcome and Introduction Talk 1: Integrating brainstem and cortical functional architectures 5 minute pause Talk 5: Focal epilepsy reduces widespread coupling of sleep spindles and sleep slow waves as potential mechanism for poor memory performance Closing remarks |
| 15:25 |
Refreshment Pause |
| 16:00 |
Keynote Talk: Neurobiological Basis of Psychosis Welcome and Speaker Introduction: Nathan Spreng, The Neuro Dr. Bruce Miller A.W. and Mary Margaret Clausen Distinguished Professor in Neurology Director, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco Founding Director, Global Brain Health Institute, UCSF |
| 17:15 | Cocktail Reception & Poster Session #2 |
Call for Posters
Sharing Science and Knowledge
In honour of Brenda Milner’s foundational work in cognitive neuroscience, young scientists across Montreal will have the opportunity to share their ideas and advancements in the field. Trainees at the undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral level are invited to present their work as posters. Abstracts will also be considered for an oral presentation.
Abstract submissions will be entered into a competition with prizes of $250 for first place and $100 for three runners-up!
The scientific presentations are intended to ignite discussion, collaboration, and connection among the Montreal cognitive neuroscience community. We encourage you to share your most current project in any stage of development, including literature reviews, research questions, and pilot projects. Please submit your abstract of less than 150 words HERE.
Abstracts should be one page only and contain: 1) name of author & affiliation, 2) name of co-authors & affiliation, 3) title of abstract, 4) abstract. The deadline for submission is March 22, 2024.
Location
The Montreal Neurological Institute and Hospital is at 3801 University Street, north of Pine Avenue West, on the McGill University campus opposite the former Royal Victoria Hospital.
Montreal is served by highway Routes 10, 15, 20 and 40, and by Greyhound Bus, ViaRail and the P-E-Trudeau airport. In the city, bus and metro service is provided by the Société de transport de Montréal (STM).
Wheelchair access
A wheelchair accessible entrance is on University Street north of the main entrance. Another wheelchair accessible entrance is in the loading area behind the building: to enter the loading area, turn into the driveway south of the main entrance. Please note, there is no parking in the loading area.
Parking
Parking near the MNI is sometimes difficult. There are parking meters on University Street and a parking lot north of the main entrance. To enter the lot, turn right into the driveway toward Molson Stadium.
Information about parking fees
Taxi Stand
There is a taxi stand on University Street across from the main entrance. You may call a cab from the free taxi phone in the main lobby near the Security Desk.
Access by Public Transportation (STM website)
Bus
There are four bus stops within walking distance:
- Bus 144 stops at Pine Avenue and University Street
- Bus 356 stops at Sherbrooke Street and University Street (Nightbus)
- Bus 107 stops at Pine Avenue and Docteur Penfield
- Bus 24 stops at Sherbrooke Street and University Street
Metro
Take the Metro Green Line to the McGill station. Walk north on University Street and cross Pine Avenue. The main entrance is on the right, past the flags.
Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre
- Enter the main lobby, turn left, and go down the hallway to the end.
- Turn right and go down the second hallway until you see another hallway on the left.
- This hallway leads to the Jeanne Timmins Foyer.
- On your right are the Jeanne Timmins Amphitheatre entrance doors.
Organizing Committee
Nathan Spreng, Chair
Xiaoqian Chai
Maiya Geddes
Denise Klein
Debbie Rashcovsky
Scientific Committee
Xiaoqian Chai
Denise Klein
