HDSA 2024: Convention offers opportunities to learn and connect
Sessions focus on latest research and topics important to patient community
The 39th annual convention of the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) is launching this evening for “three days of education, support and camaraderie!”
The convention, which runs from May 30 to June 1, offers many opportunities for attendees to learn about Huntington’s disease and to connect with others in the Huntington’s community. The event is taking place in Spokane, Washington, with many sessions livestreamed.
Participate in HDSA’s Team Hope Walk
On the first day of this year’s convention, participants may walk around the exhibit hall from 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific time (PT), attend the opening ceremony at 5 p.m. PT, and participate in a HDSA Team Hope Walk from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. PT. A welcome reception will be held from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. PT.
The first full day of the convention, on Friday, is jam-packed with informational sessions focused on a variety of topics that are of relevance to people living with Huntington’s.
Starting at 8:30 a.m. PT, the sessions will offer discussions about how to navigate long-term care options, tips for getting a good night’s sleep with Huntington’s, advice on how to establish a positive relationship with therapists, and research-based recommendations for exercise.
Other sessions on the first full day will cover practical strategies for complicated situations, such as managing crises, communicating with law enforcement and emergency responders, and accessing healthcare while living in a rural or isolated area.
There will also be sessions focusing on the biology of the disease itself, such as better understanding the role of excessive CAG repeats (the specific type of genetic mutation that causes Huntington’s), as well as sessions focused on family planning and battling isolation while living with Huntington’s.
The first full day will also feature a few sessions that are specifically geared toward caregivers of people with Huntington’s, with tips on navigating mental health issues and self-care. Moreover, the day’s activities will end with a National Youth Alliance Talent Show, starting at 5:30 p.m. PT.
Final day starts off with HDSA research forum
The final day of the convention will start with a HDSA research forum, at 8:30 a.m. PT. A series of presentations will focus on topics ranging from how to navigate working a job while living with Huntington’s to strategies for managing changing care needs over time as the disease progresses.
Saturday sessions will also focus on juvenile Huntington’s, mental health, and intimacy, as well as active research efforts and clinical trials that are ongoing to try to create better strategies to manage and treat Huntington’s.
The final sessions offered on that last day, scheduled to end at 5 p.m. PT, include a panel where attendees are invited to “ask the scientists anything,” and a separate session providing tips for staying engaged with the wider Huntington’s community.
The convention will end with a HDSA Convention Gala and National Awards, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. PT.
Note: The Huntington’s Disease News Today team is providing virtual coverage of the Annual Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) Convention May 30-June 1. Go here to see the latest stories from the conference.
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