Smith Alzheimer's Center at SIU Medicine

08/12/2026

Join us at the Illinois State Fair for Senior Day on Monday, August 17, featuring The Mama Joe Project!

The free film screening will take place at 3 p.m. in the air-conditioned Illinois Building, followed by a panel discussion and audience Q&A. No registration is required, and the event is open to all ages.

We’re especially proud to have Dr. Erin Hascup, executive director of the Smith Alzheimer's Center, joining the panel alongside:

• Dr. Russell McElveen, cardiothoracic surgeon at SIU Medicine
• Carolyn Austin, CEO of AgeLinc, Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging
• Noah Oliver, grandson of the film’s central character and youth caregiver advocate

Bring your family and friends and join us for an afternoon highlighting caregiving, aging and the experiences of families affected by dementia. We hope to see you there!

07/30/2026

Please join us in welcoming Mishfak A. M. Mansoor, PhD, to the Smith Alzheimer's Center as a postdoctoral fellow in the Hascup lab!

"I am drawn to Alzheimer's disease research because I come from an aging research background through my doctoral research. There is an urgent need to understand the biology behind this disease. Being part of the Hascup lab allows me to contribute through innovative basic and translational research in aging and Alzheimer's disease."

07/22/2026

Thank you to Senator Balkema for taking the time to tour our lab and see how research is pushing to find more effective treatments for Alzheimer's and dementia. 🔬

07/16/2026

We're incredibly grateful for the continued support from the Fat Ass 5K & Street Party for Charity as they once again made a donation to our Art Express program.

If you're unfamiliar with the Fat Ass 5K - yes, that is the real name - it was created in 2008 as a way to celebrate Springfield's food scene and music, thinly disguised as race through downtown. In the nearly two decades of existence, it's raised more than $2 million for local charities.

Again, thank you for your support!

06/30/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Fang for receiving the Frank J. Toth Research Award!

SIU scientist Dr. Yimin Fang earned the Frank J. Toth Award in 2026 for her research on aging and Alzheimer's.

06/29/2026

It was great connecting with so many at AgeLinc's Caregiver Conference this past weekend! Thank you to everyone who stopped by our table or joined us to learn how music and the performing arts can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with dementia. We appreciate the opportunity to share our work and be part of such an inspiring event.

06/10/2026

The Hascup Lab's Jenelle Chapman, PhD, presented her research poster on senolytic treatments at AGE 2026 in Utah last week. Great work representing the team and sharing her research with colleagues from around the world!

05/18/2026

A warm welcome to Caroline Corcoran, MS, who is joining the Hascup research lab here at the Smith Alzheimer's Center!

"I, like many people, have seen the heavy burden of Alzheimer’s on those close to me. I am honored to join a wonderful team investigating the causes, signs and prevention of Alzheimer’s. I hope that my work can play a small part in the massive effort to better the treatment and livelihood of those living with this condition.”

Welcome to Caroline!

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

Thank you to Green Family Stores and WICS ABC Newschannel 20! We're grateful to receive this contribution that will help local families and fuel innovative research.

Green Family Stores Presents the Smith Alzheimer's Center With a Check For $2,000