Penn Researchers Receive Kissick Family Foundation Funding to Investigate Neuronal Vulnerability in FTD
By Nicolette Calcavecchia
A Penn Medicine research team has been selected to receive funding through the Kissick Family Foundation Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD) Grant Program, administered in partnership with the Milken Institute's Science Philanthropy Accelerator for Research and Collaboration (SPARC). The program awarded $2.5 million across five research teams, all focused on accelerating foundational discoveries, advancing treatment options, and improving outcomes for people living with sporadic FTD. Together, the funded projects represent diverse approaches to understanding why FTD develops and progresses differently across individuals, with the shared goal of uncovering new biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
The Penn team — consisting of three IOA Members,…
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Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, biomarkers, white matter hyperintensities, and other things that keep Adam Brickman, PhD up at night
By Nicolette Calcavecchia
Alzheimer’s disease diagnosis, biomarkers, white matter hyperintensities, and other things that keep Adam Brickman, PhD up at night
An Institute on Aging Visiting Scholar Series and Penn Neurodegenerative Disease Grand Rounds lecture recap
Can vascular changes in the brain contribute to Alzheimer’s disease risk and progression? This is the subject that drives most of the research of Adam Brickman, PhD, Professor of Neuropsychology, Columbia University.
During his recent lecture at the University of Pennsylvania, Dr. Brickman discussed why he believes Alzheimer’s should be understood as more than a single pathology. While amyloid has traditionally been a major focus of…
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PA Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich's Updates on Historically Expanding Government Benefits to All Older Pennsylvanians
By Nicolette Calcavecchia
The Penn Neurodegenerative Disease Grand Rounds kicked off the Fall 2026 season with a visit from PA Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich who shared an update on historically expanding government benefits to all older Pennsylvanians.
The mission of the PA Department of Aging (PDA) is to ensure that older adults across Pennsylvania have access to quality services and supports that help them age and live well. With this mission in mind, the PDA offers a variety of home- and community-based services including caregiver support programs, senior community centers, housing programs, the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE), and more.…
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Penn at AAIC 2026
By Nicolette Calcavecchia
Penn researchers made a strong showing at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference (AAIC) 2026, contributing workshops, presentations, and posters that highlighted advances across Alzheimer's disease and dementia research. Throughout the conference, the IOA, Penn Memory Center, and Penn FTD Center shared daily #PennatAAIC26 coverage, featuring the innovative work of our scientists spanning artificial intelligence, neuroimaging, genetics, biomarkers, brain atrophy, dementia care, health policy, and community engagement. Highlights included a workshop introducing the NiChart cloud platform for MRI analysis, research exploring the genetic and biological drivers of Alzheimer's disease, studies leveraging AI to improve diagnosis and caregiving, investigations into nursing home…
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IOA Member Spotlight: Nancy Hodgson, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA - Advancing Dementia Care Through Compassion, Research, and Inclusion
By Nicolette Calcavecchia
Nancy Hodgson, PhD, RN, FAAN, FGSA
Claire M. Fagin Leadership Professor in Nursing
Nancy A. Hodgson, the Claire M. Fagin Leadership Professor in Nursing, is an internationally recognized nurse scientist whose work exemplifies the power of community-centered scholarship and mentorship. As department chair, Dr. Hodgson is widely recognized for fostering a culture of openness, collaboration, and inclusion. Through her mentorship, listening sessions, and intentional community-building efforts, she creates spaces where faculty, staff, and students feel heard, supported, and empowered to contribute their unique perspectives, continuing to strengthen the Penn Nursing community and advance compassionate, evidence-based care. Drawing on more than 30…
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