ADRC News

  Over the past year, the Age of Aging has spoken with expert clinicians who study the brain, as well as individuals living with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. We believe that these two perspectives are essential for fully understanding dementia in 2025. In today’s episode, we hear from someone who can speak to both perspectives. Dr. Daniel Gibbs is a retired neurologist and author currently living with Alzheimer’s disease. Joined by his wife and caregiver, Lois Seed, he sat down with Age of Aging Executive Producer Dr. Jason Karlawish to discuss Dan’s experience. While the two physicians have had repeated conversations over the years Read More The post What is it Like to be Dan? Neurologist Dan Gibbs and his wife Lois Seed on Living with Alzheimer’s appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading What is it Like to be Dan? Neurologist Dan Gibbs and his wife Lois Seed on Living with Alzheimer’s

At the Penn Memory Center, we often recommend exercise, social engagement, and a solid support system to help people age well. Owning a dog is not on that list, but maybe it should be. For many older adults, dogs are more than companions. They’re motivators to stay active, reasons to connect with neighbors, and steady sources of comfort through life’s challenges. Emerging research suggests that that this age-old bond between humans and dogs may be one of our healthiest friendships. On this episode of The Age of Aging, we celebrate dogs, and how they might help us live long, healthy lives. First, we hear Read More The post Canine Care: Can A Dog Help You Live Well Longer? appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Canine Care: Can A Dog Help You Live Well Longer?

By Meghan McCarthy  Over the past decade, cannabis legalization has dramatically shifted consumption habits across the United States. As of 2024, cannabis is legal in 39 states for medical use and 24 states for recreational use.  Estimates from 2023–2024 suggest that 15% of Americans report marijuana use—up nearly 10% from 2013. Young adults (19%) are more likely to use cannabis than adults age 55 and older (10%).  As usage increases, questions arise about how cannabis may affect brain health over a lifetime. What is its relationship to dementia risk and care? We explored recent studies to better understand both the Read More The post Weeding Out the Truth: Cannabis, Cognition, and Dementia  appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Weeding Out the Truth: Cannabis, Cognition, and Dementia 

When we think about justice, older adults aren’t always top of mind. Yet in the United States, seniors often face stigma, exploitation, and insufficient social support, all while navigating cognitive and physical decline. As lifespans continue to grow globally, aging is a future we all hope to reach. So how do we ensure that future is just? And what does justice for older adults truly look like? Welcome to Season 4 of The Age of Aging! We’re kicking off with a vital and multifaceted topic: elder justice. Joining us are three leading voices who help unpack the legal, cultural, and systemic Read More The post Just Aging appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Just Aging

  Nutrition plays a critical role in brain health and dementia care. In this Dementia Friendly Pennsylvania webinar, Dr. Kyra O’Brien, assistant professor of Neurology and medical director of the Penn Medicine GUIDE Program, shares insights on brain-healthy dietary changes, how dementia impacts appetite and nutrition, and practical tips for caregivers. The post Nourishing the Brain with Dr. O’Brien appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Nourishing the Brain with Dr. O’Brien

  Welcome to a mid-year bonus episode of The Age of Aging! While the podcast takes a short break between seasons, we wanted to bring you a special update on the state of Alzheimer’s today. Penn Memory Center Co-Directors Dr. Jason Karlawish and Dr. David Wolk sat down with Terrence Casey to share their reflections from this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), which they attended earlier this summer. They discuss their biggest takeaways, including the impact of NIH funding cuts, the rapid innovations that continue to shape the field, and what they’re keeping their eye on for next year’s conference Read More The post New Age of Aging Episode: This Moment in Alzheimer’s: Taking Stock and Look Forward appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading New Age of Aging Episode: This Moment in Alzheimer’s: Taking Stock and Look Forward

By Meghan McCarthy An Irish proverb says, “Aithnítear cara i gcruatán” — a friend is known in hardship. For Norma “Momom” Hall, this rang true in the later years of her life as she lived with advanced dementia. Momom grew up in picturesque Glenurla, Ireland, surrounded by lush green pastures and sweeping coastal cliffs. While breathtaking, the landscape held danger. As a child, Momom lost her beloved sister, Mary, in a tragic biking accident off one of those cliffs. More than sisters, Momom and Mary were inseparable, best friends by all accounts. The loss shattered Momom. Yet, decades later, their Read More The post Understanding Hallucinations in Dementia appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Understanding Hallucinations in Dementia

By Meghan McCarthy Editor’s Note: This article is part of the Disability and Dementia Series, an ongoing project highlighting the experiences of individuals with intellectual disabilities who are affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs). “Take her home and love her.” That was the advice Ellen Boyle’s parents received the day she was born, a simple but radical directive in 1965. Ellen had just been diagnosed with Down syndrome (DS), and in a time when institutionalization was often recommended, one pediatrician offered a different path. Take her home. Love her. And they did. A Sunday Birth  Ellen was born Read More The post Take Her Home & Love Her appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Take Her Home & Love Her

The Penn Memory Center is now enrolling patients and their caregivers in the Guiding an Improved Dementia Experience (GUIDE) model, a new national Medicare program designed to improve care for people living with dementia and increase support for their caregivers. Dementia affects millions of individuals across the United States, with that number expected to rise sharply over the coming decades. Despite its prevalence, many patients do not receive consistent, coordinated dementia care. Unpaid caregivers often carry the burden alone, which can have negative impacts on both patients and caregivers. To address this, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) launched Read More The post Penn Memory Center Enrolling Patients in New National Dementia Care Program appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Penn Memory Center Enrolling Patients in New National Dementia Care Program

If you’ve been tuning in to The Age of Aging, you already know Jake Johnson’s voice. As producer and co-host of the Penn Memory Center’s biweekly podcast, he leads conversations about aging, brain health, and the lived experiences of individuals and families navigating cognitive change. Now, Johnson takes on a new role as communications coordinator at the Penn Memory Center (PMC).  Since joining PMC as a communications assistant in 2023, Johnson has contributed to messaging and storytelling efforts across platforms. His work has helped broaden the center’s reach and support conversations around research, clinical care, and community engagement. But the Read More The post Jake Johnson Takes on New Role as Communications Coordinator at Penn Memory Center  appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Jake Johnson Takes on New Role as Communications Coordinator at Penn Memory Center