ADRC News

If you asked most caregivers, they would probably say there’s nothing funny about caring for someone with dementia. The stress, grief, and frustration can feel overwhelming. But what if the principles of improv comedy — being present, saying “yes,” and working together — could make caregiving easier and more joyful? In this episode of the Age of Aging, we explore the surprising connection between improv and dementia care. You’ll hear how techniques from the stage are helping caregivers reduce stress, improve communication, and find moments of joy. What’s inside: A peek inside the Penn Memory Center’s Cognitive Comedy class, where caregivers Read More The post Yes And…How Improv Can Help us Care for People Living with Dementia appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Yes And…How Improv Can Help us Care for People Living with Dementia

Artificial intelligence is everywhere in 2025, and elder care is no exception. As the older adult population continues to grow, AI has the potential to provide desperately needed support. Both at home and in the hospital, AI systems are being developed that can summarize data, predict patient outcomes, and offer preventative interventions. These systems could help clinicians be more efficient as well as shoulder some of caregivers’ many responsibilities. Yet for as many problems as AI seems to solve in healthcare, many more questions arise as to how these innovative tools can be implemented ethically. On this episode of the Age Read More The post Can AI Provide Artificial Care? What’s Possible, What’s Ethical appeared first on Penn Memory Center. Continue reading Can AI Provide Artificial Care? What’s Possible, What’s Ethical

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

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

  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