ADRC News
November 11, 2025 Democratizing Dementia: How diagnostics and therapeutics will change how we think about dementia
Innovation in dementia care is revolutionizing the way we diagnose and treat older adults with neurodegenerative diseases. New tests have allowed doctors to diagnose patients with diseases like Alzheimer’s more accurately than ever before. The anti-amyloid therapies Lecanemab and Donanemab provide a real treatment for those living with Alzheimer’s. While these innovations are incredible for those experiencing dementia, they are also beginning to change our culture around dementia generally. On this episode of the Age of Aging, Terrence Casey sits down with Dr. Jason Karlawish to talk about major steps forward in dementia care and how they’re changing the way we Read More The post Democratizing Dementia: How diagnostics and therapeutics will change how we think about dementia appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Democratizing Dementia: How diagnostics and therapeutics will change how we think about dementia
October 28, 2025 Making Art, Creating Mind: Three Artists’ Stories of Living with Brain Disease
Although the Age of Aging often focuses on science, art has been a recurring theme. In Season 2, Episode 2, “Diet, Exercise, and… Doodling?”, we explored how creativity can support longevity. However, beyond art’s apparent health benefits, making and consuming art can also help us better understand the experience of aging. In many ways, the change and loss associated with aging are best understood through art. Today’s episode of the Age of Aging looks once again at art creation in aging through the stories and work of three artists living with brain disease. Joe Vanek, a stage designer for more than 40 years, experienced a stroke Read More The post Making Art, Creating Mind: Three Artists’ Stories of Living with Brain Disease appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Making Art, Creating Mind: Three Artists’ Stories of Living with Brain Disease
October 14, 2025 What is it Like to be Dan? Neurologist Dan Gibbs and his wife Lois Seed on Living with Alzheimer’s
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
September 30, 2025 Canine Care: Can A Dog Help You Live Well Longer?
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?
September 17, 2025 Weeding Out the Truth: Cannabis, Cognition, and Dementia
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
September 16, 2025 Just Aging
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
2003 September 5, 2025 Nourishing the Brain with Dr. O’Brien
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
September 5, 2025 New Age of Aging Episode: This Moment in Alzheimer’s: Taking Stock and Look Forward
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
September 3, 2025 Understanding Hallucinations in Dementia
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
August 4, 2025 Take Her Home & Love Her
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