Penn Memory Center

06/17/2026

Last week, Penn Memory Center Co-Director Jason Karlawish, MD, joined clinicians, advocates, and people with lived experience for a Capitol Hill briefing on “What Early Detection Means for Alzheimer’s Patients and Providers.”

The discussion focused on why early detection matters for individuals living with Alzheimer’s disease and their families. Earlier diagnosis can help people better understand their symptoms, consider treatment and care options, and plan for the future.

The briefing also highlighted two pieces of legislation: the Alzheimer’s Screening and Prevention Act and the BRIDGE for Young-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Act of 2025. Both speak to a larger need: building systems that help people access diagnosis, care, and support earlier.

06/16/2026

What stories do we tell about dementia, and who do those stories serve?

In the Season 5 finale, the Age of Aging team reflects on a special report from the Hastings Center on dementia, culture, and narrative.

Through personal audio essays, hosts and past guests explore dependence, creativity, history, caregiving, supportive housing, and the narratives shaping the lives of people living with dementia.

Listen to the full episode: ageofaging.org/episodes/the-stories-we-tell

The Age of Aging is made possible by the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and Lena Chow, and our sponsors, Rothkoff Law Group.

06/12/2026

What happens when dementia changes the way love and care feel day to day?

For Penn Memory Center Clark Scholar Lauren Fisher, BSN, RN, that question is both personal and central to her research.

After her grandmother had a stroke and later developed dementia, Lauren watched her grandfather care for her at home with love, devotion, and sacrifice.

Today, Lauren studies how emotional changes in people living with dementia affect caregivers and their relationships. She is especially interested in empathy loss, a symptom that can make caregiving more emotionally difficult for families.

Learn more: pennmemorycenter.org/meet-pmc-clark-scholar-lauren-fisher/

06/11/2026

Want to hear the latest in Alzheimer’s and dementia research, from home?

The Penn Memory Center has been selected to invite our community to attend the Alzheimer's Association International Conference virtually and free of charge through AAIC for All.

This free opportunity is open to people with mild cognitive impairment or dementia, caregivers and care partners, and research participants.

AAIC runs July 12–16 and includes live presentations, community connection opportunities, and recordings available for 30 days.

Register by June 12: bit.ly/4eB4rO9
Questions? Contact Sarah Walter at [email protected]

Not eligible? The public is welcome to attend AAIC for All: Community on July 16: alz.org/aaic-for-all

06/10/2026

Philadelphia's air quality may be worse than many people think.

In the latest episode of The Age of Aging, Clean Air Council advocate Russell Zerbo discusses the factors driving air pollution in Philadelphia and the surrounding region.

He explains why transportation remains a major contributor and highlights local efforts aimed at improving air quality.

His conversation raises an important question: what does a healthier community look like, and what role does clean air play in healthy aging?

Listen to the full episode: ageofaging.org/episodes/polluted-minds

The Age of Aging is made possible by the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and Lena Chow, and our sponsors, Rothkoff Law Group and the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Philadelphia.

06/09/2026

What happens when a major review reaches a different conclusion than many clinicians and researchers in the field?

A recent Cochrane review found that amyloid-targeting treatments for Alzheimer's disease produce little cognitive benefit while increasing the risk of adverse effects. The publication has prompted discussion about how evidence should be evaluated and communicated.

In a new episode of the Dementia Matters podcast by the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center, Penn Memory Center co-director Dr. David Wolk joins Dr. Cynthia Carlsson and Dr. Henrik Zetterberg to unpack the review and discuss what it means for patients, clinical care, research, and public policy.

Amyloid-targeting monoclonal antibody treatments have ushered in a new era of Alzheimer’s disease therapies after decades of research and clinical trials. A recent review published by Cochrane, a global, independent, non-profit network of researchers, professionals, patients and carers regarded as...

06/05/2026

Air quality alerts are not only for people with asthma or lung disease.

In the latest episode of The Age of Aging, Bev Stewart of the American Lung Association explains why older adults are more vulnerable to air pollution, especially on days when the air quality is poor.

She also shares practical steps people can take to reduce exposure at home and outdoors.

What should you check before heading outside? When should you rethink outdoor exercise? What can help improve the air inside your home?

Listen to Polluted Minds: The Surprising Connection Between Pollution and Alzheimer's Disease: ageofaging.org/episodes/polluted-minds

The Age of Aging is made possible by the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and Lena Chow, and our sponsors, Rothkoff Law Group and the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Philadelphia.

06/04/2026

"What happens during cognitive testing?"

It's one of the most common questions we hear from research participants.

In this new video, Dr. Dawn Mechanic-Hamilton walks through what cognitive testing looks like, what researchers are measuring, and what participants can expect during a visit.

If you've ever felt nervous about testing or wondered what those memory and thinking tasks are all about, this video is for you.

What happens during cognitive testing in aging and dementia researc...

06/02/2026

Could the air we breathe affect brain health as we age?

In our latest episode, Dr. Eddie Lee explores new research linking air pollution exposure with Alzheimer’s pathology in the brain. You’ll also hear from Dr. Holly Elser, Dr. Trevor Penning, Bev Stewart, and clean air advocate Russell Zerbo on air quality, aging, and what people and communities can do to reduce risk.

Listen to Polluted Minds: The Surprising Connection Between Pollution and Alzheimer's Disease: ageofaging.org/episodes/polluted-minds

The Age of Aging is made possible by the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and Lena Chow, and our sponsors, Rothkoff Law Group and the Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Center in Philadelphia

06/01/2026

Missed this season of the Empowering Caregivers Workshop Series? You can still catch up online.

In the latest recorded session, Penn Memory Center Co-Director David Wolk shares an overview of anti-amyloid therapies for early Alzheimer’s disease, including how these treatments work, who may be eligible, and what patients and care partners should consider when making treatment decisions.

The session also explores how clinicians support families through these conversations in real-world care.

Watch this session and explore previous Empowering Caregivers talks through the full playlist: bit.ly/3QWOB7m

Learn about the latest treatment options for early Alzheimer’s disease in this session from the Empowering Caregivers Workshop Series.In this recorded talk, ...