Explore the faculty and presentations from the 2026 BEACON Conference. Each profile includes a speaker overview, session synopsis, optional presentation materials, and practice location details when available.
Clinical Pharmacist, Neurocognitive Program • Ochsner Health
Pharmacotherapy, Dementia Treatment
Discusses disease-modifying therapies and practical considerations in dementia treatment.
Vascular Neurologist • Ochsner Neuroscience Institute
Vascular Neurology, CAA
Discusses how vascular health drives cognitive aging and dementia risk.
Professor • Tulane University
Microbiome, Gut-Brain Axis
Explores how gut microbiota influence inflammation and cognitive function.
Speech-Language Pathologist • Ochsner Children's Health Center - Metairie
Neuroplasticity, Rehabilitation
Explores how language, movement, and novelty drive neuroplasticity and cognitive resilience.
Chair, Department of Neurology; Movement Disorders Specialist • Ochsner Health
Movement Disorders, Telemedicine, Neurodegeneration
Framing the conference and outlining the core pillars of brain health and cognitive resilience.
Neurology Trainee / Incoming Fellow • Ochsner Health
Neurodegeneration, Movement Disorders
Overview of amyloid, tau, synuclein, and TDP-43 and their role in neurodegenerative disease.
Affective Neuroscientist • UCSF
Neuroimaging, Psychedelics
Examines how psychedelics reveal mechanisms of neural flexibility and adaptation.
Cognitive Behavioral Neurologist; Section Head Neurocognitive Program • Ochsner Health / Mind the Gulf
Brain Health, Nutrition, Systems Neurology
Explains the role of sleep, inflammation, and glymphatic clearance in brain health.
Director of Lifestyle Nutrition • Ochsner Health / Eat Fit
Nutrition, Lifestyle Medicine
Separates evidence from hype in supplements and brain health optimization.
Cognitive Behavioral Neurologist; Section Head Neurocognitive Program • Ochsner Health / Mind the Gulf
Brain Health, Nutrition, Systems Neurology
Breakdown of evidence-based dietary strategies supporting cognitive health.
Speech-Language Pathologist; Program Director • PMIC Outpatient Clinic
Cognitive Rehabilitation, Brain Injury, Dementia Care
Explores how cognitive impairment is experienced, assessed, and translated into real-world function.
OB/GYN; Founder • Signature Health
Hormonal Health, Menopause
Explores hormonal transitions and their impact on cognitive function.