Leading the Conversation Speaker Series

A Dialogue on Alzheimer’s & Dementia

DATE: January 22, 2025

LOCATION: AT&T Hotel and Conference Center Salon C – Level M3 | 1900 University Ave • Austin, Texas

TIME: Lecture Will Begin Promptly at 4:00 PM

Reception to Follow from 5:15 – 7:00 PM
Rowling Hall – 4th Floor | 300 W Martin Luther King Jr Blvd • Austin, Texas RSVP NOW

Space is limited for this FREE event. RSVP today!

MEDIA CONTACT:
Lesley Ford ([email protected])
The PR Boutique
512.363.5160 Texas First Lady Texas Cecilia Abbott to Provide Opening Remarks as Alzheimer’s Texas, the DKR Fund, and The Texas Healthy Brain Initiative Kick Off Their Leading the Conversation Speaker Series on Alzheimer’s Disease, Dementia, and Brain Health AUSTIN, TEXAS-January 6, 2025. Alzheimer’s Texas, the DKR Fund and The Texas Healthy Brain Initiative (THBI) are pleased to announce “A Dialogue on Alzheimer’s & Dementia,” a lecture by internationally prominent Alzheimer’s and dementia authority Ronald C. Petersen, MD, PhD, FAAN, on Wednesday, January 22, at the AT&T Hotel and Conference Center, 1900 University Avenue in Austin. The lecture begins promptly at 4:00 p.m. in Salon C, Level M3 with opening remarks from Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott. Following the lecture, join us for a reception from 5:15 to 7:00 p.m. at Rowling Hall, Fourth Floor, 300 West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. Enjoy beer and wine while engaging with Dr. Petersen and members of the Alzheimer’s and dementia community in an intimate setting. “We are grateful for the opportunity to host the public for this important lecture by a man of Dr. Petersen’s stature,” said Darrell K Royal Research Fund President Debbie Hanna. “He and his team at the Mayo Clinic are on the cutting edge of Alzheimer’s, dementia and brain health research. His remarks will include critical information relevant to patients, caregivers and the age 40-50 demographic concerned with the brain health of their loved ones and their own future brain health.” Registration is free but space is limited. To reserve your spot at the lecture and reception, please visit: https://www.dkrfund.org/LeadingTheConversation/. Dr. Petersen directs the Mayo Clinic Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging, both of which involve the study and characterization of aging individuals over time, with an emphasis on neuroimaging and biomarkers. He and his colleagues evaluate cognitive changes in normal aging, as well as in a variety of disorders involving impairment of cognition, such as Alzheimer’s disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration and Lewy body dementia. Much of their focus involves recognizing cognitive and biomarker signals of early cognitive impairment and developing therapies to address them. He has authored five books and more than 700 publications on the subject. Dr. Petersen’s presentation is the first in the Leading the Conversation Speaker Series, a sequence of three lectures scheduled by Alzheimer’s Texas, the DKR Fund and THBI offering the public a unique window into the latest available research relating to Alzheimer’s, dementia and brain health. The second lecture, scheduled for April, will feature Dr. Hunt Batjer, former chief of neurosurgery and professor emeritus at The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, a former adviser to the National Football League Head, Neck and Spine Committee. The Leading the Conversation Speaker Series will conclude with an October lecture by board-certified internal medicine specialist Dr. Laura DeFina. Dr. DeFina is chief executive officer of the well-known Cooper Clinic and a published expert on health, fitness and the heart-brain connection in aging. Alzheimer’s Texas has been based in Austin since its inception, but its virtual programming and care support lines serve callers from across Texas, as well as from Colorado, Oklahoma, Louisiana, New Mexico, and other states. Established in 1982, the organization provides information, referrals, and a variety of support programs for those with Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias, and their family members, caregivers and professionals. Its programs include a 24/7 helpline, consultations, education, training, early-stage support, caregiver support and community respite development. “With the aging of society, these conditions are becoming increasingly common, and early detection is essential to applying interventions effectively,” said Hanna. “This is an excellent opportunity for those with concerns about their loved ones, friends or themselves to learn about the latest advances in treating these tragic diseases.” ### About Alzheimer’s Texas Alzheimer’s Texas is the state’s leading voice for state-funded research in Alzheimer’s and dementia care, education and support. The organization is dedicated to eliminating Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research and enhancing care and support for individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders, their families, and caregivers. It provides care consultations, a 24-hour help line, support groups, respite care, educational and social engagement programs, and professional training. Founded in 1982 to serve Central Texas, Alzheimer’s Texas is one of the oldest Alzheimer’s organizations in the state. It has been named “Best Nonprofit” by Senior Resource Guide every year, 2017 through 2020. Alzheimer’s Texas offers a hand up to those who need it, versus a handout. For more information, visit www.txalz.org. About the DKR Fund Darrell K Royal, former football coach and athletic director of The University of Texas at Austin, is one of college football’s greatest legends and an endearing figure in state lore. The DKR Fund represents the pinnacle of commitment to excellence in research and care for Texans to attempt to cure Alzheimer’s disease in our lifetimes, expand research into mild cognitive impairment, and broaden the paradigms of care and access for Texans. By establishing the DKR Fund to fund critical, collaborative research to bring about medical breakthroughs in the treatment and cure of Alzheimer’s disease, Coach Royal hoped his notoriety would be a game changer in the lives of all Texans. For more information, visit https://dkrfund.org. About The Texas Healthy Brain Initiative The Texas Healthy Brain Initiative is dedicated to advancing brain health research in Texas through state-appropriated funding and support for translational biomedical research on brain health. Through these efforts, the organization hopes to catalyze a groundswell of innovation ranging from precision diagnostics and treatments to future-proofing economic policies and innovative investing models that put brain health at the forefront of medical research. For more information, visit https://texashealthybrain.org.

September 28, 2023

September 28, 2023

by: Great Day Houston
September 18, 2023

02.02.2023, The Dallas Morning News

November 6, 2022, Austin American-Statesman

Congratulations to Dr. Chandramallika Basak of UT Dallas for her promotion to associate professor with tenure. Learn more about Dr. Basak’s research and lab at the Center for Vital Longevity at UT Dallas here.

Charles Esten joins Good Day Austin to promote his performance, benefitting the DKR Fund and Alzheimer’s research, at the 4th & Goal Gala on September 21, 2018.

DKR FUND 2018 4th & Goal Gala returns for annual fundraising event September 21 at ACL LIVE AT THE MOODY THEATER
Hit TV Series “Nashville” stars to perform.
Tickets on sale today through ACL LIVE

DKR Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease 4th & Goal Gala names UT All-American Sean Foley as “Head Coach” of the Legacy Council
Foley will lead young Texans fundraising efforts to support 2018 fundraiser

DATE: Friday, Sept. 21st, 2018
WHAT: Ben Willie Darrell present 4th & Goal Gala 2018
FEATURING: Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson & Chris Carmack

DATE: Friday, Sept. 21st, 2018
WHAT: Ben Willie Darrell present 4th & Goal Gala 2018
FEATURING: Charles Esten, Jonathan Jackson & Chris Carmack

DKR FUND 4th & GOAL GALA Featuring “Nashville in Concert” at ACL Moody Theater on Friday, September 21st, 2018 celebrates the life of legendary Coach Darrell K Royal in support of Neuroscience Initiatives at UTSW O’Donnell Brain Institute and University of Texas at Austin.

Austin, July 20th, 2017 – The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease welcomes attorney Ed Small to their current Board of Directors. As an attorney at Jackson Walker LLP, Mr. Small has more than 40 years’ experience representing clients before the Texas Legislature and Texas regulatory agencies, in addition to his litigation practice.

May 11th, 2017, TexasSports.com: A group of 78 UT Austin students known as the Legacy Council Rookies, part of the Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease, have raised $35,000 to benefit the Fund, which will be directly granted to Texas researchers searching for a cure to the life alerting disease.

May 11th, 2017, hookem.com/Austin American Statesman: Edith Royal, the wife of legendary Texas coach Darrell Royal, was recognized Thursday in the Texas Senate chamber for her work with the Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease.

Registration for the 2017 Texas Alzheimer’s Disease Partnership Meeting on May 18th is now open. We look forward to hearing Marc Diamond, M.D. of UT Southwestern update us on new AD research, as well as hear a presentation on the Texas State Plan for Alzheimer’s Disease. Don’t miss this informative event. Find more information and register here!

A group of 78 UT Austin students known as the Legacy Council Rookies, part of the Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease, have raised $35,000 to benefit the Fund, which will be directly granted to Texas researchers searching for a cure to the life alerting disease. Co-chaired by 3 seniors (Rob Montgomery, Jenna McGaw, and Allyson Poujol), these students came together in a matter of two months to meet their individual goal of raising $500 by April 20th, 2017.

Austin, April 5, 2017: Dr. Yingfei Wang of The University of Texas Southwestern will be submitting her second year research report and findings to The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease by December 2017. Dr. Wang was one of five carefully selected recipients of the 2015 DKR Fund research grant, receiving $165,000 to fund her project, “The role of a novel AIF3 isoform in dementia.”

Join DKR Fund’s Founding Chair Ava Late as she host’s the “Brunch of the Year” for Austin X Fashion on Sunday, May 21st from 9:30am-12pm.

Eat, drink, and enjoy fabulous runway fashion, all benefiting the DKR Fund! Get tickets below.

“…Ava Late works regularly with Alzheimer’s disease groups including Alzheimer’s Texas and Capital of Texas Alzheimer’s Association. The May 21 brunch will benefit the Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease…”

AUSTIN, TX March 1, 2017: Drs. Murat Plattner and Florian Durakoglugil of The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX are set to submit their third-year research report and findings to The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease by December 2017. Both doctors were recipients of the 2014 DKR Fund Research Grant, receiving $165,000 to fund their project, “NMDA receptor regulation in Alzheimer’s and memory enhancement.”

AUSTIN, TX February 20th, 2017: The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease announces the funding of the 2017 Edith T. Royal Care Initiative. This series of trainings, support opportunities, and disease-specific education will be offered to the general public, caregivers and those affected by AD through Alzheimer’s Texas, a charitable organization founded in 1982 that provides education, support services, respite care, and professional training to individuals and families dealing with AD and related diseases in central Texas.

DATE: Friday, Sept. 2nd, 2016
WHAT: Ben Willie Darrell present 4th & Goal Gala 2016
Continue reading to find out how you can sponsor this event.

11.19.15, Oh So Cynthia

11.16.15, Campus Rush – Sports Illustrated

11.16.15, Austin American Statesman

11.13.15, Texas Lifestyle Magazine

11.12.15, The Daily Texan

11.12.15, The Daily Texan

11.10.15, Culture Map Austin

11.6.15, E! Online

11.6.15, Just Jared

11.6.15, Fox 7 News

11.6.15, Austin Monthly Magazine

11.5.15, KXAN News

11.5.15, KVUE News

Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease
Raises $1,050,000 at the Ben-Willie-Darrell Present
Links & Lyrics Event

September 15, 2014, AUSTIN, TX – The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease today announced $1,050,000 was raised at the Ben-Willie-Darrell Present “Links & Lyrics” 2014. The event held at Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater featured Vince Gill and friends Big Al Anderson, Don Schlitz and Sunny Sweeney, who entertained guests with some of their favorite songs. Read More

DATE: Friday, Sept. 5th, 2014
LINKS: Barton Creek Country Club – Crenshaw Course
LYRICS: Austin City Limits – Moody Theatre
FEATURING: Vince Gill & Friends
WHAT: Ben Willie Darrell present Links & Lyrics 2014

Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease Announces $850,000 Research Grant Initiative
Details Unveiled for the Fund’s
2014 Ben-Willie-Darrell Links & Lyrics Fundraiser

AUSTIN, TX – The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease today announced its inaugural request for application (RFA) and research grant initiative, which will award $850,000 in grants to advance Alzheimer’s research in Texas. Comprised of fundraising efforts from the DKR Fund’s Ben-Willie-Darrell 4th & Goal Gala in 2013, the grant money will go directly to scientific research in Texas for novel, innovative and cutting edge approaches to Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders.Read More

02.20.14, KVUE

02.20.14, KXAN

Prominent UT Southwestern researchers provide insight into head injury, brain function connection

The DKR Fund presented a free public lecture on Saturday, September 21st at Austin High School. The DKR Fund Fall Speaker Series addressed the topic of head injury among athletes and measures for safer play. Field experts Hunt Batjer, M.D., chair of the Department of Neurological Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center and Munro Cullum, Ph.D., chief of psychology and director of neuropsychology at UT Southwestern Medical Center, led the conversation.Read More

Honoring
the Coach – the Man – the Legend.
March 27th, 2013
7PM at ACL Live

11.13.12, KUT News

Photo Credit: flickr.com/wallyg

AUSTIN, TX November 13, 2012- The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease is extremely grateful for the outpouring of public interest seeking information on the DKR Fund, Alzheimer’s research and care. A few members of the Fund Board of Advisors have indicated that they will be available to participate in an interview following the noon service.

AUSTIN, TX November 9, 2012- The Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease is extremely grateful for the outpouring of public interest seeking information on the DKR Fund, the upcoming March 27, 2013 fundraising event and wish to thank the generous individuals who have reached out the Royal family and the DKR Fund in the time since Coach Royal passed.

11.07.12, Austin American Statesman
Darrell K Royal, who coached the Longhorns to three national titles and became the biggest college football icon in a state that worships the sport, died early Wednesday morning at age 88.

DKR Fund Board of Advisor member Willie Nelson will perform at the 4th & Goal Gala, Wednesday, March 27, 2013, ACL – Moody Theater.

Ben Willie Darrell will be the signature fundraising event for the AD research fund. The iconic fundraising golf and music event has, over the years, brought together Coach Darrell Royal, Willie Nelson and Ben Crenshaw to raise funds for many worthy charitable efforts. For the March 2013 event, Willie Nelson will perform for his good friend to a sell-out crowd at ACL.

Co-sponsored by the Darrell K Royal Research Fund for Alzheimer’s Disease and the Spike Dykes Charity Golf Tournament Fund of the Dallas Foundation
Join us on July 21st!

03.13.12, Houston Chronicle

Spring 2012, Southwestern Medical Center Alzheimer’s Disease Center News.
Read the full article on the TARCC and the Darrell K Royal Fund on page 2.