Healthy Aging & Alzheimer's Research Care - HAARC Center

08/04/2026

We’re excited to join the 11th Annual Englewood Community Health Fair on Friday, August 7th at the West Englewood Library hosted by Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center!

This year’s theme, “Healthier You, Healthier Us,” is a reminder that building healthier communities starts with empowering individuals to care for their health, including their brain health! The event will have giveaways of school supplies, health resources, dental services, back-to-school vaccinations, and healthy food.

Please stop by the HAARC Center table to learn more about brain health, healthy aging, and opportunities to participate in research. We hope to see you there!

08/03/2026

August is National Wellness Month! Wellness isn't just about exercise, it's about finding activities that keep you engaged and bring you joy. Whether that's traveling, birdwatching, photography, card games, volunteering, learning something new, or spending time with friends, every hobby has the potential to enrich your life in its own way.

Staying mentally, socially, and physically active can all play a role in supporting healthy cognitive aging. This month, make time for a hobby you love or discover a new one. Your brain just might thank you.

07/30/2026

People experience health and aging differently based on a variety of factors, including life experiences, environment, culture, and access to care. When research includes participants from all backgrounds, researchers can better understand these differences and develop findings that are more representative of the communities they aim to serve. Inclusive research helps ensure that future discoveries benefit everyone.

Learn more about research opportunities through the HAARC Center Research Registry: https://redcap.uchicago.edu/surveys/?s=H9W9YWEK7MA9XKLD.

07/29/2026

Last week, we were proud to attend the SHARE Network's 2nd Annual Brain Health Symposium at the Obama Foundation Presidential Center.

The symposium featured a community presentation by Dr. Masterani, Director of the The University of Chicago Medicine Memory Center, a brain health presentation from the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter, and an enlightening panel discussion with clinicians and community members. We were also proud to see our Communication Bridge Research Program Coordinator, Karina Mak, join the Center for Disability and Elder Law to discuss legal and end-of-life planning considerations.

We enjoyed connecting with community members and catching up with several of our The ADNI Study and SuperAging Research Initiative participants!

Thank you to the SHARE Network for bringing the community together to learn, collaborate, and strengthen brain health across Chicago. We are proud to be part of a strong network of researchers, clinicians, community organizations, and advocates working together to advance brain health and healthy aging.

07/28/2026

New research from the SuperAging Research Initiative adds an important piece to our understanding of exceptional cognitive aging.

In a recently published study, researchers found that common genetic risk factors for Alzheimer's disease, including APOE and Alzheimer's polygenic risk scores, did not explain why SuperAgers maintain exceptional memory well into their 80s and beyond.

These findings suggest that other factors, including rare genetic variations and life experiences, may play an important role in supporting exceptional cognitive aging and highlight the need for continued research to better understand what helps some older adults maintain remarkable memory.

Read the full publication here: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s13195-026-02124-2

07/27/2026

Congratulations on another race down, Jason! Only 3 left to go until

07/23/2026

Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, but it can also be physically and emotionally demanding. One important reminder: taking care of yourself is not selfish.

Looking for support? These organizations offer valuable resources for caregivers:

• SHARE Network – Education, support groups, and programs for individuals and families affected by dementia. SHARE Network

• University of Chicago Medicine Memory Center – Clinical care, caregiver education, and support services. UChicago Medicine

• Illinois Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association – Local support groups, educational programs, a 24/7 Helpline, and community resources. Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter

• Family Caregiver Alliance – National caregiver resources, practical guidance, educational materials, and online support. Family Caregiver Alliance

07/23/2026

07/22/2026

🚨I'm headed west to take on Jack & Jill's Downhill Marathon: one of the most sought-after races in the country. ✈️

🏃🏻‍♂️It's so popular that they don't just race once...they race twice. Runners choose whether to tackle the course on Saturday or Sunday, and I'll be chasing another finish line this weekend to run against dementia in state #47. 🧠



Healthy Aging & Alzheimer's Research Care - HAARC Center

07/22/2026

The HAARC Center is proud to partner with Teresa's Place Adult Daycare for the 1st Annual Community Wellness & Resource Fair on Saturday, August 15. This free event will bring together community organizations, health and wellness resources, educational workshops, and opportunities to connect with local experts in a welcoming environment for older adults, caregivers, families, and the broader community.

We're especially excited that Tessa McEwen from The University of Chicago Memory Center will be presenting on legal and financial considerations for caregivers, offering practical guidance and resources to help families navigate important planning decisions.

We hope to see you there!