On June 22, 2026, the Duke–UNC Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center (ADRC) welcomed study participants, families, and community members to its 3rd Annual Study Participant Appreciation Event—a heartfelt celebration of the individuals at the center of Alzheimer’s and memory research.

A Warm Welcome & Community Connection

The afternoon began with registration and an opportunity for attendees to connect over lunch while exploring informational vendor tables. The event set a welcoming and inclusive tone, emphasizing both appreciation and community-building.

Attendees sit at tables and watch a presentation during a community education event.

Rachel Dewees, MSW, ADRC Research Concierge, officially opened the program, greeting attendees and expressing gratitude for their ongoing partnership in advancing research.

Updates on Research & Progress

Attendees heard directly from ADRC leadership about the impact of their participation and the latest developments in the field:

Dr. Heather Whitson (Duke ADRC Co-Director) shared updates on the Memory & Aging Study and beyond, highlighting how participant contributions continue to drive important discoveries.
Dr. Gwenn Garden (UNC ADRC Co-Director) followed with insights into What’s the latest?, offering a look a emerging research directions and current findings across the Center.

These updates reinforced a key message: every participant plays a critical role in shaping the future of Alzheimer’s research.

Highlighting Creativity & Innovation

Two featured presentations brought fresh perspectives to dementia care and research:

Dr. Patrick Smith, physician-researcher and musician, discussed Music as a Multimodal Intervention, demonstrating how music can support cognitive and emotional well-being.
Artist Susan Sidebottom presented The Invisible Thread: Alzheimer’s Shared Connections, offering a powerful artistic reflection on the shared human experience of Alzheimer’s disease.

A musician standing near a doorway plays a multi-string electric bass guitar in an indoor meeting or event space. Tables and seated attendees are visible in the foreground and background, with baskets and beverages on the tables. The image captures a live musical performance taking place as part of a group gathering or community event.

A presenter stands behind a wooden podium and speaks into a handheld microphone while using a laptop. The podium displays a sign for the North Carolina Botanical Garden at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Audience members are seated in the foreground, listening to the presentation in a meeting or educational event setting.

Together, these talks showcased how science and creativity can work hand-in-hand to enhance quality of life.

Thank You to our Participants

This annual event serves as a reminder that research is made possible by people—by the generosity, time, and dedication of study participants and their families. The Duke–UNC ADRC is deeply grateful for this partnership and looks forward to continuing this important work together.

Participants are not just part of the research—they are the reason it succeeds.

A person seated at a table in the foreground listens to a presentation while holding a pen. Several other attendees are seated nearby, and a group of people is visible in the background. The image is taken from within the audience, with the foreground in focus and the background softly blurred, emphasizing participation in a group meeting, educational session, or community event.

Honoring Our Participants: 3rd Annual Duke–UNC ADRC Appreciation Event

in case you missed it (or what to see it again!)

Catch the Highlights: Presentation Slides Now Available!