On March 25, 2026, Barry University in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Association and Florida  Community Care brought together leaders across healthcare, research, policy, and community advocacy for the Brain Health & Aging Summit: Supporting Individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). The summit was hosted on the university’s main campus in Miami Shores and addressed one of the fastest-growing and often overlooked public health challenges: the intersection of aging, brain health, and IDD.

As individuals with IDD live longer due to medical and social advancements, the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias continues to rise and places increasing pressure on families, caregivers, and healthcare systems. Barry University convened this summit to spark collaboration, elevate awareness, and help shape more inclusive, forward-thinking care models. Conversations emphasized that while risk remains high, lifestyle factors like nutrition, sleep, exercise, and social connection can play a meaningful role in improving outcomes.

The event opened with remarks from Dr. Mike Allen, Barry University’s President, who highlighted the importance of compassion and shared responsibility. A featured panel moderated by Dr. Eneida Roldan, Executive Dean of the College of Health Professions & Medical Sciences, brought together national experts, including Dr. Christopher Weber and Dr. Seth Keller, to discuss emerging research, care gaps, and the urgent need for system-wide innovation.

With more than 600,000 Floridians living with Alzheimer’s and millions affected globally, the summit reinforced a clear message: collaboration is essential.