Healthpartners Center for Memory and Aging

05/27/2026

These snapshots come from the Alzheimer’s Association’s 2026 Facts & Figures report, which highlights the growing impact of Alzheimer’s and dementia on individuals, caregivers, and the health care system. The other image shows data specific to Minnesota.

05/22/2026

Many folks are wondering about their memories. Our research team is offering a brief memory screening on June 11th!
This initiative will help us call attention to maintaining brain health and research. Appointments are needed, but there is no cost to participate.

05/18/2026

Mark your calendars, this Wednesday we have 2 events going on!
Clinical Trials day- if you happen to be at the Neuroscience Center, stop by to hear about clinical trials at HealthPartners and learn more about our upcoming brain screening event in June!
Our virtual learning series- join neurologist Dr. Kaci McCleary as she provides an overview of palliative care services for families navigating cognitive and memory changes. She will discuss how palliative care can help manage symptoms, support emotional well‑being, and guide conversations about care goals at any stage of illness — all while continuing ongoing treatment.

05/15/2026

05/15/2026

Brain Screenings, Clinical Trials Day, Introductions to Palliative Care, and more! Have you seen our May newsletter yet?
If not, check it out below and sign up to get it emailed directly to you here: https://hprfstudies.org/redcap/surveys/?s=TY78YYFF4WLM37E4
Our newsletter has links to previous talks and updates on speakers/topics for the upcoming months.

05/10/2026

🌸 Happy Mother’s Day 🌸

Long before memory changes begin, mothers shape who we are.

For some, this day is marked by complicated emotions. Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions can change how a mother connects with the world, and many families grieve the gradual loss of a parent who is still physically present. Others are remembering mothers who are no longer with us, but whose influence remains deeply felt.

At the Center for Memory and Aging, we honor all of these experiences. We recognize the strength of mothers, the lasting imprint they leave, and the resilience of families who continue to love through change, uncertainty, and loss.

Today, we celebrate motherhood in all its forms — joyful, remembered, missed, and deeply meaningful.

Wishing peace and warmth to all this Mother’s Day. 💐

05/01/2026

No matter where you are on the Alzheimer’s journey — learning about a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or navigating long‑term care — the Alzheimer’s Association is a valuable complement to the care you receive from your neurologist and clinical team.
While our clinic is here to help guide care and answer clinical questions, the Alzheimer’s Association offers trusted education, tools, and national perspective.

Their Facts & Figures page highlights findings from the Association’s annual report, which sheds light on the growing burden of Alzheimer’s and dementia on individuals, caregivers, government, and the U.S. health care system. Including the figure below, it’s a helpful resource for understanding the bigger picture and why research and support matter.
https://www.alz.org/alzheimers-dementia/facts-figures

04/17/2026

Check out one of our studies in Stroke!

It’s not every day you see a researcher step into the shoes of their study participants. But that’s exactly what Amanda Herrmann, PhD, principal investigator at HealthPartners Institute, is doing.

Amanda is participating in a mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) course, gaining firsthand experience in the intervention she’s evaluating for people living with chronic stroke. “So far, I’ve completed seven out of the eight sessions, and I’ve really enjoyed it,” she shares. “I’ve been able to gain a lot of insight from the instructor, especially in regard to mindfulness practices.”

Chronic stroke refers to the stage of recovery six months or more after an initial stroke. It affects nearly 800,000 Americans each year, often altering the way people sense and understand signals from their own bodies. Amanda’s research seeks to discover whether MBSR can help. “This pilot study explores whether an MBSR program is feasible and acceptable in chronic stroke, and whether it may improve interoception, emotional well-being, and whole person health,” Amanda explains.

“We can’t guarantee benefits, but there have been a lot of improvements shown from other studies that have examined MBSR,” she says. “We hope that the information we gain from this study will help better support people living with chronic stroke.”

If you or someone you know might benefit from this study, check out the Institute’s website for details on how to participate: https://bit.ly/4v2ov2b

04/16/2026

In case you missed our virtual education series this month, you can view the recording here:

Advance Care Planning Make Your Wishes Known by Michelle Cotter and Anne Sathrum April 15, 2026