Age of Aging

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 speak about dementia.   The topics in this conversation are pulled directly from the Dr. Karlawish’s new column, Neurotransmissions, in STAT News. Dr. Karlawish discusses the stigma-based way we talk about dementia in popular culture and the damage it does to older adults. He explains how new diagnostic tests and treatments are reshaping this culture by providing patients and caregivers with greater knowledge of their condition as well as hope for improvement. Dr. Karlawish said these changes will ultimately reduce the stigma associated with dementia and allow for further progress in the care of older adults.   Resources available on the episode webpage linked below   Read Dr. Karlawish’s column, Neurotransmissions, on STAT News  Read Illness as a Metaphor and AIDS and Its Metaphors by Susan Sontag  Learn more about LATE   Read Joshua Grill’s piece in the Philadelphia Inquirer    Special thanks to Dr. Jason Karlawish, MD, for being a part of this episode.   The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and Penn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.    The Age of Aging is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and our sponsors, the TIAA Institute and Rothkoff Law Group. The TIAA Institute is a think tank committed to building knowledge that advances lifelong financial security and well-being while considering the intersections of health and wealth. Their cutting-edge research provides actionable financial and longevity insights that help individuals and employers navigate the complex journey of aging.    Caring for an aging loved one isn’t easy — but you don’t have to do it alone. At Rothkoff Law Group, we guide families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania through every stage of your aging journey. Our team of elder care attorneys, geriatric ca...

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 concerning Dan’s diagnosis, Lois’ presence highlights how the disease has progressed and how their relationship has taken on new caregiving dynamics.  What you will hear is an authentic depiction of living with Alzheimer’s disease, along with insights on how a partner begins to care for that person’s changing mind.  Resources available on the episode webpage linked below  Read A Tattoo on My Brain: A Neurologists Personal Battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Watch the documentary, A Tattoo on My Brain  Learn more about Dan and Lois’ story  (American Heart Association)  Read Dr. Daniel Gibbs’ blog   Special thanks to Daniel Gibbs, MD, PhD, and Lois Seed for being a part of this episode.   The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and Penn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharpe.  The Age of Aging is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and our sponsor, the TIAA Institute. The TIAA Institute is a think tank committed to building knowledge that advances lifelong financial security and well-being while considering the intersections of health and wealth. Their cutting-edge research provides actionable financial and longevity insights that help individuals and employers navigate the complex journey of aging. 

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 from caregivers and dog owners about how their dogs help them care for their loved ones with dementia. Then, Professor Philip Tedeschi explains how humans’ co-evolution with dogs has made us perfect support system for one another. Lynn Cronomiz recounts how a powerful moment between a therapy dog and her mother with Alzheimer’s helped her process her mother’s passing. Finally, we explore humans’ inseparable connection with nature through the biophilia hypothesis.  Resources available on the episode webpage linked below Dog ownership in the U.S. statistics – American Veterinary Medical Association  “2025 Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures” –  Alzheimer’s Association  Listen to Season 1 Episode 4, “Diagnosing Dementia,” featuring Lynn Cronomiz  Learn more about the Insitute for Human-Animal Connection  Visit KPETS, which Lynn Cronomiz does her therapy dog work with  Learn more about the “biophilia hypothesis”  Petfinder to adopt a pet near you  Visit the American Kennel Club website for more information on dog breeds    Special thanks to Tom Casey, Miguel Centeno, Kathy Oldfield, Philip Tedeschi LCSW, MSSW, Lynn Cronomiz, and Carlo Siracusa DVM, PhD, DACVB, DECAWBM    The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and Penn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.    The Age of Aging is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and our sponsor, the TIAA Institute. The TIAA Institute is a think tank committed to building knowledge that advances lifelong financial security and well-being while considering the intersections of health and wealth. Their cutting-edge research provides actionable financial and longevity insig...

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 challenges facing older adults — and what can be done to address them.  MT Connolly, author and elder justice advocate, explores the deep-rooted cultural and structural issues that shape aging in America, and offers ideas for meaningful reform.  Charlie Sabatino, former director of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Law and Aging, explains how working with an elder law attorney can help preserve autonomy and dignity throughout the aging process.  Judge Lois Murphy shares insights from the courtroom, including a real-life guardianship case that illustrates the complexities and consequences of our legal system’s approach to elder care.  If you enjoy the episode, please leave us a review and share it with a friend. Got a story idea for Season 4 or beyond? Reach out to us at ageofaging@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.    Resources  Listen to Season 1 Episode 2, “Living Well with Purpose,” about supported decision-making.  Read The Measure of Our Age: Navigating Care, Safety, Money, and Meaning Later in Life by MT Connolly.  Learn more about MT Connolly.  More information on the RISE model  CDC Mortality Trend Graph  2023 CDC Life Expectancy  Learn more about Charlie Sabatino  More information on guardianship in Pennsylvania   Learn more about Judge Murphy     Special thanks to Charlie Sabatino JD, MT Connolly JD, and Judge Lois Murphy.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hoste...

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 that changed how he viewed time and creativity.  Scott LaMascus left graduate school in poetry to care for his father with ALS, finding meaning through writing and reflection.  Neesa Becker-Procaccino, a professional illustrator, stopped working after an Alzheimer’s diagnosis but returned to art as a way to heal and connect.  Each artist faced disruption. Yet through art, each found a way to continue creating and redefining identity in the face of illness.   Resources available on the episode webpage linked below  Watch the full video featuring Neesa Becker-Procaccino   Learn more about Joe Vanek  Read more of Joe Vanek’s story  Read “Dispatches from the Dark Side of the Moon” and “Hesitant Light”  Check out more of Joe Vanek’s illustrations  Saint Patrick  The Queen of Hearts  Our Lady Guadalupe   The Child of Prague  Nutcracker  The Snow Queen  Follow Joe Vanek on Instagram  Learn more about Scott LaMascus ...

When we talk about dementia on this podcast, we are often talking about its most common cause: Alzheimer's disease. However, dementia has many causes, and among the most prevalent after Alzheimer’s is Lewy Body Disease. Though it can share similarities with Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) has distinct symptoms and challenges that can complicate diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving.   On the season 3 finale of the Age of Aging, we explore Lewy Body Disease and its impact on caregivers and families.   We begin with a clip from the documentary Facing the Wind, which follows two caregivers as they navigate caring for their husbands with Lewy Body Disease. Then, Co-Host Terrence Casey shares his reflections on a live Q&A following a screening of the film in Philadelphia. Finally, Dr. Jason Karlawish provides a deeper insight into Lewy Body Disease, its significance in the world of aging research, and what it reveals about caregiving today.  Resources  Find an upcoming screening of Facing the Wind  Learn more about Lewy Body Dementia  National Institute of Health booklet on Lewy Body Dementia  More resources on Lewy Body Dementia Association website  Special thanks to Tony Heriza, Deirdra Fishel, and Linda Szypula for sharing their film with us and being a part of this episode. Special thanks as well to ARTZ Philidelphia for presenting the screening and Q&A. The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp. 

Sex and intimacy can be difficult topics to navigate, especially for caregivers and their partners facing the challenges of a dementia diagnosis. These conversations are often avoided, yet the emotional toll of intimacy-related struggles can be profound, bringing feelings of grief, confusion, and isolation. The stigma surrounding sex and dementia only deepens this silence, making open dialogue all the more essential.   On this episode of The Age of Aging, we explore one caregiver’s deeply personal journey through love, loss, and change. Alison Lynn, Director of Social Work at the Penn Memory Center, speaks with author and advocate Lisa Marshall about her book Oh, Hello Alzheimer’s: A Caregiver’s Journey of Love.   Lisa shares the story of her husband Peter’s Alzheimer’s diagnosis and the emotional complexities that followed — including her decision to end their sexual relationship. With honesty and vulnerability, she reflects on the grief, guilt, and growth that came with that choice, offering insight and solidarity to others navigating similar paths.  Resources  This week’s Beautiful Question: What is a place with special meaning to you? Leave us a message at (571) 449-6474.  Read Lisa Marshall’s book, Oh, Hello Alzheimer's: A Caregiver's Journey of Love  Visit Lisa’s website   Special thanks to Lisa Marshall and Alison Lynn, MSW, LCSW for being a part of this episode.    The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.   

The U.S. healthcare system is changing—especially when it comes to caring for older adults. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed how vulnerable our aging population is, and how unprepared many parts of the system remain. Overstressed nursing homes, overworked primary care physicians, and a lack of accessible resources for dementia care remain persistent challenges.   But there’s hope. New technologies, treatments, and care models are reshaping what aging and diagnosis can look like. The question now is: How do we deliver these advances to the people that need them most?   In this episode of the Age of Aging, we explore the evolving landscape of elder care in the U.S.  We start with Dr. PJ Brennan, the Chief Medical Officer of Penn Medicine who discusses the challenges the U.S. healthcare system is currently facing with its elder population. Then Dr. Kyra O’brien explains why the new anti-amyloid therapies, lecanemab and donanemab, might help more people get diagnosed and allow clinics like the Penn Memory Center to expand their resources. Finally, Dr. O’Brien dives into the new federal program “GUIDE,” which aims to reshape dementia care across the country.    Resources  This week’s Beautiful Question: What is something that you could teach someone? Leave us a message at (571) 449-6474.  Listen to our episode on anti-amyloid therapies, “In Sickness and in Health”  Read more about anti-amyloid therapies  More information about GUIDE at Penn Medicine  Penn GUIDE interest form  General information on GUIDE (cms.gov)  Special thanks to PJ Brennan, MD, and Kyra O’Brien, MD, for being a part of this episode.   The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.   

We often think of dementia as something that affects the oldest among us, and that’s often true; at the Penn Memory Center, the average age of diagnosis is between 70 and 75. In most of those cases, caregiving falls to a spouse, partner, or adult child. But what happens when dementia is diagnosed before the age of 65?  In this episode of the Age of Aging, we explore early onset dementia and the young caregivers who step up when their lives are just beginning. The stories of teens and young adults reveal the unique challenges of caregiving and what they can teach us about care across all ages.  We begin with a segment from a recent episode of Science Friday, where Executive Producer Dr. Jason Karlawish discussed the FDA’s recent approval of new diagnostic blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease. Then, Paige Censale shares the life-changing decision she faced: accept a full scholarship to college or stay home as the sole caregiver for her mother. We then learn about Lorenzo’s House, an organization dedicated to supporting young caregivers and families impacted by early onset dementia. Finally, we hear from Sierra, a 16-year-old from South Pasadena California who began caring for her father with early onset dementia when she was just 8 years old.    Resources  This week’s Beautiful Question: What is something in your home that you treasure? Leave us a message at (571) 449-6474.  Thank you to Science Friday for letting us play part of their episode with Dr. Karlawish. You can listen to the full episode here.   Check out Paige Censale’s website  Learn more about early onset dementia (WebMD)  Learn more about Lorenzo’s House  Join Lorenzo’s House’s “Youth Summit” (June 20 – 21)   Special thanks to the Science Friday team, Jason Karlawish, MD, Paige Censale, Diana Cose M. ED, Patti LaFleur M. ED, CPD, Sierra Mercer, and Alison Lynn, MSW, LCSW, for being a part of this episode.   The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp. 

The world is getting older—and that reality is what inspired this podcast. Thanks to advances in medicine, healthier lifestyles, and improved living conditions, people are living longer than ever. That’s a good thing. However, longer lives will also require a lot of change from both individuals and society. We will have to prepare now for something earlier generations never considered possible: the second 50 years of our lives.  In this episode of the Age of Aging, Executive Producer Jason Karlawish speaks with Debra Whitman, Chief Public Policy Officer at AARP, about her new book, The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond. Together, they explore what it means to plan not just for retirement, but for an entire second half of life—dispelling myths about aging and offering practical insights for the years ahead.   Resources  This week’s Beautiful Question: What is something that makes you laugh? Leave us a message at (571) 449-6474.  Get your copy of The Second Fifty: Answers to the 7 Big Questions of Midlife and Beyond  Special thanks to Debra Whitman and Jason Karlawish, MD, for being a part of this episode.   The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.  The Age of Aging is made possible by generous donors like you. To learn more visit www.pennmemorycenter.org/ageofaging

No one wants to think about their death, let alone talk about it. But having a meaningful conversation with your loved ones about your final days is one of the most important things you can do for them and yourself. End of life is a logistically and emotionally challenging time, so making critical decisions before the process of dying can save you and those around you from further stress and turmoil. Luckily, some experts can help you navigate this time's many legal and emotional complexities.   On this episode of the Age of Aging, we are talking about death and what it means to plan for your final days.   First, we speak to death doula Chelsea Duckers about what exactly a death doula does and how one can guide you through the process of end of life. Then, elder law attorney Jerry Rothkoff goes through the legal documents you will want to get in order to prepare for end of life. Finally, we hear from someone who worked with a death doula while preparing for the death of her spouse.   Resources  This week’s Beautiful Question: What is something you are proud of in your life? Leave us a message at (571) 449-6474.  Learn more about death doulas  End of life planning resources from Rothkoff Law Group  Death Doula Workbook Request Form  Special thanks to Chelsea Duckers, BSW, CSW, CECC, Jerry Rothkoff, Esq., and Diane Cordell.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Meaghan Sharp.  The Age of Aging is made possible by generous donors like you. To learn more visit www.pennmemorycenter.org/ageofaging

At the Penn Memory Center, one of the most common questions we hear is: What can I do to keep my brain healthy as I age?   We often reference diet and exercise as essential tools when it comes to maintaining a healthy brain. There’s another, often-overlooked way to boost brain health, fight depression, and support cognitive resilience. It’s not a pill. It’s not a trend. It’s something far more human: our hands.   On this episode of the Age of Aging, we explore the power of our hands and why using them intentionally can be an incredible medicine for the mind.  We begin with Dr. Kelly Lambert, a behavioral neuroscientist at the University of Richmond. She explains the link between our hands, human evolution, and depression. Then, Drs. Vasiliki Meletaki and Gyulten Hyusein from the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics discuss the benefits of hand movement as we age. Finally, artist Judith Schaechter shares her creative process in crafting stained glass pieces and how working with her hands has shaped her memory, mood, and creativity.      Resources  This week’s Beautiful Question: What is something you would like to learn? Leave us a message at (571) 449-6474.  Read the New York Times article featuring Dr. Lambert   Watch Dr. Lambert’s TED Talk  Learn more about Dr. Lambert’s lab  Learn more about the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics  Explore more of Dr. Meletaki and Dr. Hyusein’s research  Video displaying Judith Schaechter’s biophilic dome  Visit Judith’s website  Read Judith’s blog about her work  Special thanks to Kelly Lambert, PhD, Vasiliki Meletaki, PhD, Gyulten Hyusein, PhD, and Judith Schaechter for being a part of this episode.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Meaghan Sharp.  The Age of Aging is made possible by generous donors like you. To learn more visit www.pennmemorycenter.org/ageofaging

In dementia care and research, it’s widely accepted that people living with advanced dementia often lose the ability to connect and communicate as they once did. However, one phenomenon has been the exception to the rule. “Paradoxical lucidity” is a term used to describe brief moments in which individuals with severe dementia suddenly regain clarity, communicate, and reconnect in ways thought to be long lost. While care partners witness and commonly share experiences with clinicians like Dr. Jason Karlawish, paradoxical lucidity remains understudied. In a recent study, Dr. Karlawish partnered with anthropologist Dr. Justin Clapp to explore the meaning and implications of these moments, both for our understanding of dementia and for the people living with it.  On this Season 3 premiere of the Age of Aging, we explore paradoxical lucidity—what it is, what it reveals, and how it reshapes the experiences of care and connection in the final stages of life.   We begin with an essay by writer Anne Basting, reflecting on a powerful lucid moment her mother experienced during a holiday meal. Then, we hear from Dr. Karlawish and Dr. Clapp, who explain how their research sheds new light on this phenomenon.  Finally, Elizabeth Donnarumma, a caregiver interviewed for their study, shares what her mother’s lucid moment meant for her.     Resources  This week’s “Beautiful Question”: What kind of food makes you happy? Leave us a message at (571) 449-6474  Read Anne Basting’s essay, “Christmas Crackers,” and subscribe to her Substack   Learn more about paradoxical lucidity  Listen to GeriPal's podcast on lucidity Special thanks to Anne Basting, Jason Karlawish, MD, Justin Clapp PhD, MPH, and Elizabeth Donnarumma for being a part of this episode.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Meaghan Sharp.  The Age of Aging is made possible by generous donors like you. To learn more visit www.pennmemorycenter.org/ageofaging

What does spring smell like?   What do you think is a beautiful sound?   If those questions made you pause for a second and reflect, that’s exactly the point. These are examples of “beautiful questions,” open-ended prompts designed to push you beyond your everyday thinking and invite you to look at the world a little differently. Writer and artist Anne Basting developed beautiful questions as a way to creatively engage people, particularly older adults with impaired cognition. These questions are part of what Dr. Basting calls “creative care,” a method that fosters meaning, conversation, and storytelling for those who otherwise have difficulty communicating. But anyone can ask and answer a beautiful question.   In this special bonus episode ahead of season 3 of the Age of Aging, Dr. Basting joins Jake to discuss the power of beautiful questions and shares a couple of her favorites.   We want to hear from you!  We’re inviting you, our listeners, to respond to the question: What do you think is a beautiful sound? Your answer could be featured in Episode 1 of Season 3. Call ‪(571) 449-6474 and leave a voicemail with your name, where you’re calling from, and your response.  Each episode this season will feature a new beautiful question, along with responses from our listeners. There are no right or wrong answers; we want to hear your unique perspectives!    Resources  Please call ‪(571) 449-6474 to leave your response.  Anne Basting’s website  Learn more about Anne Basting’s non-profit Time Slips  Read Creative Care: A Revolutionary Approach to Elder Care    Special thanks to Anne Basting for being a part of this episode.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Meaghan Sharp.  The Age of Aging is made possible by generous donors like you. To learn more visit www.pennmemorycenter.org/ageofaging

It’s the season 2 finale of the Age of Aging! To celebrate, we welcomed back guests from Seasons 1 and 2 and asked them to dream big to improve aging in America.   In this episode, you’ll hear a wide range of ideas: from integrated child and eldercare to ballet training for young adults to walkable communities and many more. This episode is an opportunity to think idealistically about the world, hear ideas from people in the Penn Memory Center community, and develop some ideas of your own.  Season 3 of the Age of Aging will begin early next year. Subscribe to our Age of Aging news magazine to be the first to know when new episodes drop.      Resources  More on intergeneration child and elder care   Check out Anne Basting’s work  Learn more about Memory Cafe’s at PMC  Timeline of Ballet Russes (Library of Congress)  Photo project on 72-year-olds around the world (NPR)  Benefits of walkable places (CNU)  60 Minutes segment on hologram for holocaust survivors (CBS)  More on Kneipp Therapy  Dementia care in Australia  TED Talk on Positive Deviance  Special thanks to Melissa Kelley, Anne Basting, Anthony Roth Castanzo, Jason Karalawish, MD, Emily Largent, JD, PhD, RN, Kate Lietz, Laynie Dratch, Lynn Cronomiz, Lauren Massismo, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, Meg Kalafsky, and Shana Stites PsyD, MA, MS for being a part of this episode.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawi...

The holidays are a time for celebration, joy, and being with loved ones. Unfortunately, it can also be a time that brings stress and anxiety. Between travel, shopping, and managing family dynamics, this season can feel overwhelming. For caregivers and individuals with dementia, these challenges are often magnified. Travel and social gatherings can pose unique difficulties, leaving many caregivers wondering: What will the holidays look like for my loved one and me this year?  To help you answer this question, we sat down with Director of Social Work at the Penn Memory Center, Alison Lynn, to explore strategies and tips for tackling the holidays.  First, Alison discusses the difficult but important task of adjusting your expectations for what is possible this year as a caregiver. Then, she lays out some tips for navigating holiday travel, whether by car or plane, with someone who has dementia. Finally, Alison gives advice for managing the actual holiday event, including how other family members can help and the importance of communication during this process.  Resources  “Please Be Patient” Cards  More on the holidays and Alzheimer’s   Programs and services at the Penn Memory Center  More on Alison Lynn at PMC  Special thanks to Alison Lynn MSW, LCSW for being a part of this episode.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Meaghan Sharp. 

Providing equitable aging research and care faces a major barrier: minorities that are disproportionately impacted by dementia are greatly underrepresented. Data shows that Black and African American individuals are twice as a likely to develop dementia. Hispanic and Latino populations are one and a half times as likely. At the core of this issue is what researchers call social and structural determinants of health (SSDOH). These are the ways our health is impacted by social factors in our environment, poverty, racism, and limited access to healthy food. Outreach is the central way research centers, such as those at the Penn Memory Center, attempt to address these disparities. Outreach coordinators attempt to establish ties with local communities, providing educational talks on aging as well encouraging members of the community to sign up for clinical trials. While important, much more is needed in order to overcome these disparities.   On this episode of the Age of Aging, we explore the disproportionality of dementia’s impact on underrepresented groups and how outreach efforts seek to address that.    We’ll first learn how PMC Outreach Coordinator, Morgann Adams works to establish ties with black and African American communities in Philadelphia. We will then hear from Dr. Eddie Lee about how social factors physically change a person’s brain as they age. Finally, Reverend Leroy Miles discusses the relationship between Enon Tabernacle Church and the Penn Memory Center and the aging needs of his community.    Resources  Learn more about aging disparities in underrepresented groups.   More on community outreach at PMC  More information on the Aging Brain Cohort Dedicated to Diversity (ABCD2) Study.  Read about the work of the Dr. Eddie Lee’s lab.  Visit Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church’s website  Special thanks to Morgann Adams, Eddie Lee, MD, PhD, and Reverend Leroy Miles for being a part of this episode.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Meaghan Sharp. 

This November, millions of Americans will head to the polls for the 2024 presidential election. But while the right to vote is essential to our democracy, unfortunately, the process of voting can present unique challenges for individuals with disabilities like dementia, often requiring outside assistance. If you’re a caregiver, how much can you help someone vote? What kind of assistance is available to those with dementia?   On episode 3 of the Age of Aging, we look at voting, and what the process means for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.   We begin by talking with Dr. Jason Karlawish who discusses the legal framework around voting capacity and shares his perspective on how to define a person’s capacity to vote. Then, voting advocate TJ DeLuca provides some important information on assisting the voting process for individuals with disabilities. Finally, we’ll hear from a voter who was falsely told he could not help his wife with dementia vote in 2020.   Resources  Pennsylvania Designated Agent Form  Check out the American Bar Association and Penn Memory Center’s guide to voting with cognitive impairment  More on Doe v. Rowe case  Read Dr. Karlawish’s study on voting in long-term care facilities  Visit disabilityrightspa.org or call 1-800-692-7443 to learn your rights  Special thanks to Jason Karlawish, MD, TJ DeLuca, and John Moore for being a part of this episode.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Meaghan Sharp.   

An Alzheimer's doctor goes to the opera...This isn't the start of a bad joke; it's the result of a collaboration between the Penn Memory Center and leaders of Philadelphia's arts community. The first of its kind at PMC, the Arts on the Mind Festival explored the intersection of the mind and art over a two-month event span. Music, literature, visual art, and film were all featured as mediums to better understand the importance of art in our lives and even how art can be used to help those with cognitive impairment.    On episode 2 of the Age of Aging’s second season, we take a look at the Arts on the Mind Festival to understand just how essential the arts and creativity are for us as aging humans.   We start at the first event of Arts on the Mind at the Franklin Institute for a discussion between Dr. Jason Karlawish and special guest Anne Basting on the mind and creativity. Then, we’ll hear from the festival’s creators on how their vision evolved over time and why it ultimately became what it did. Finally, we’ll examine the deeper connection between art and the brain, asking: Could creative expression be more than just a source of joy? Could it be a therapeutic tool for those with cognitive challenges?  Resources  Learn more about the Arts on the Mind Festival  Check out more programs at the Penn Memory Center  Visit Anne Basting’s website  Learn more about “A Song by Mahler”  Collaborators include: The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, The Penn Memory Center, The Franklin Insitute, The Philadelphia Film Society, the Free Library, and ARTZ Philadelphia     Special thanks to Jayatri Das, PhD, Jason Karlawish, MD, Anne Basting, PhD, Miles Cohen, Judy Freedman, Allen Freedman, and Mark Neikrug for being a part of this episode.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Meaghan Sharp. 

Over the past two years, the world has seen major developments in Alzheimer’s disease treatment with the release of two new medications: Lecanamab, marketed as Leqembi, and Donanemab, marketed as Kisunla. These two treatments are the first of their kind to reduce the physical signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain and potentially slow down the progression of cognitive decline. In the premiere episode of season 2 of the Age of Aging, we explore these new anti-amyloid therapies, what they are, and how they may change the lives of patients and caregivers. We begin with the personal story of a couple who have participated in the Donanemab clinical trials over the past three years, sharing their firsthand experiences with the medication. Project Manager of this trial at the Penn Memory Center, Melissa Kelley, provides insights into the journey of these participants.  Additionally, Dr. Sanjeev Vaishnavi offers an expert breakdown of anti-amyloid therapies, explaining what they are, how they work, and what they might mean for the future of Alzheimer’s disease treatment. Resources More resources on Lecanamab (Leqembi) Learn more about disease modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease Check out studies currently enrolling at the Penn Memory Center.   Special thanks to Dan and Susan Henderson, Melissa Kelley, and Sanjeev Vaishnavi MD, PhD, for contributing to this episode. The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meg McCarthy.