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February 2025

A monthly newsletter from the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine

Interview:

What Makes a SuperAger

[7 minute listen]

Dr. Molly Mather, assistant professor of psychiatry & behavioral sciences at the Mesulam Center, joined Lisa Dent and WGN to discuss the Northwestern University SuperAging Program (NUSAP) and provide tips for living a longer and healthier life.

Listen to the Interview

Featured Article:

A Young Mind with an Old Soul's

Calling to Neuroscience

[7 minute read]

At just 18, Antwan Joel Howard is breaking barriers at the Mesulam Center, blending youthful curiosity with wisdom beyond his years. His groundbreaking work and genuine connections inspires researchers and participants alike.

Read the Article

This article was originally published in the Fall 2024 issue of the Mesulam Center print newsletter. Click here to view the full issue.

Save the Date:

31st Annual Alzheimer Day

Thursday, May 15, 2025 | Embassy Suites - Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile

Attendee registration opens on Monday, March 3! Space is limited, register early.


You are invited to join us for the 31st Annual Alzheimer Day on Thursday, May 15, 2025 at our new location - the Embassy Suites - Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile (511 N Columbus Dr, Chicago). Alzheimer Day was established to showcase aging and dementia research conducted throughout Northwestern and to bring this information to the community. Attendees will have the opportunity to connect with community members and researchers over lunch and through the presentation of research posters.

Learn More

Questions? Please email mesulam-center@northwestern.edu.

News Coverage:

Exercise can Help Delay Dementia

[5 minute read]


Regular physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce dementia risk. The Mesulam Center's Dr. Jane Stocks spoke about the benefits of staying active and the potential correlation between an active lifestyle and cognitive function.

Read the Article

Upcoming Events

Featured Event:

Brewed Conversations: Addressing Alzheimer's Disease in the Black Community

Saturday, March 8, 2025 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Join the Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Northwestern Office of Health Equity and Minority Health for Brewed Conversations: Addressing Alzheimer's Disease in the Black Community at Sip & Savor - Hyde Park. This educational series is designed to inform and empower community members about health, wellness, and early detection.


The event will feature a Fireside Chat, with the Dr. Allison Lapins from the Mesulam Center and Dr. Treasyri Williams-Wood from Willwood Consulting Services LLC, followed by an a audience Q&A session. We hope to see you there!

Silver Fox Pop-Up

Thursday, March 13, 12:00 PM

Kenwood Oakland Community Organization (KOCO) and Mather are hosting a pop-up event at the Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center. This event offers creative programming, including wellness activities, lunch, and live music, for adults aged 55+ in Bronzeville and surrounding communities.

View Event Flyer

Alzheimer’s Health & Awareness Fair

Saturday, March 22, 10:00 AM

Join the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter for an Alzheimer's Awareness Health Fair at Covenant United Church of Christ and make sure to swing by the Mesulam Center table to learn more about how you can get involved in our research. We hope to see you there!

Learn More and Register

South Loop Memory Cafés

The South Loop Village Memory Cafés are free monthly social gathering for persons living with dementia and their family, friends, and care partners.


March Theme: Happy St. Pat's!

  • In-Person: Thursday, March 13, 1–2 PM
View Upcoming Meeting Dates

Music, Movement, & Community

Lorenzo's House presents Music Movement & Community, a free, in-person and hybrid interactive experience where music and expression ignite joy.


Upcoming Sessions:

Saturdays, March 8 (in-person only) and March 22 (hybrid) at the Old Town School of Folk Music.


Questions can be sent to mmc@lorenzoshouse.org.

Learn More

Release the Silence: Navigating the Caregiving Journey

Saturday, May 3, 9:30 AM

Join the Alzheimer's Association Illinois Chapter for the the 3rd Annual Release the Silence Conference on Saturday, May 3 at New Life Covenant Southeast. This conference is designed to help our community navigate the Alzheimer's and dementia journey. It is geared towards caregivers, future caregivers, and healthcare professionals who are looking for resources and support in the Black and African American community.

Learn More and Register

Featured Research

The role of neuropsychological assessment in the evaluation of patients with cognitive-behavioral change due to suspected Alzheimer's disease and other causes of cognitive impairment and dementia

Authors: Lynn W Shaughnessy, Sandra Weintraub 

Published: Alzheimer's Dementia, January 2025

The Alzheimer's Association developed new clinical practice guidelines to improve the timely detection, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate disclosure of mild cognitive impairment and dementia. This article highlights the role of neuropsychological testing in diagnosing and tracking Alzheimer's disease, helping to assess cognitive changes over time. These evaluations provide essential information for doctors to tailor care and support for patients and their families.

Read the Full Publication

Want to learn more about this and other recent publications from the Mesulam Center? Click here to view all recent publications.

Interested in Participating in Research?

We are currently enrolling participants in various research studies here at the Mesualm Center. Our research studies lead to better understanding of Alzheimer's and related dementias and help inform future treatments for these diseases.


Please follow the steps below to join our research registry and learn more about our active research studies. Our work is possible thanks to the generosity of our research participants — we appreciate you.

  1. Join Our Research Registry: Click here or click the button below to join our registry.
  2. Match to a Study: We will contact you when we identify a study that might be a good fit. Click here to view our active studies.
  3. Participate: Participate in studies you choose and qualify for. Click here to view FAQs.
Join Our Research Registry

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