Glenn Close to speak about mental illness stigma at neuroscience conference

From 10 TV News in California:

SAN DIEGO -- Actress Glenn Close (pictured) is scheduled to speak Nov. 20 at the start of the 40th annual meeting of the Society for Neuroscience in San Diego.

According to organizers, the award-winning actress and advocate for those who suffer mental health issues, will discuss overcoming the stigma of mental illness.

"She'll discuss how to help the American public understand that mental illness is a brain disease, and what can be done to reduce misconceptions, stigma, and bias," a statement from the group read.

More than 30,000 neuroscientists are expected to come to the San Diego Convention Center for the five-day conference to discuss research findings on the brain, nervous system and other disorders.

Topics will range from autism to post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury research and treatment, according to organizers.

"For individuals and families touched by mental illness, it is crucial to accept and understand what is happening in the brain, and the field of neuroscience is a natural place to foster discussion about the intersection of brain science, treatment and public advocacy," said Dr. Michael Goldberg, president of the Society for Neuroscience.

"Ms. Close's presentation will be a powerful start to five days of emerging breakthroughs in brain science and health," he said.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has announced plans to protest outside the conference.

The animal-rights group said the demonstration is in response to scientists, who are scheduled to speak at the conference, that conduct experiments on primates.