Year in Review: 2020
The year of 2020 will be remembered for the novel coronavirus global pandemic, a historic national election, the political uprising after the death of George Floyd in the US, and the challenges we all individually faced in the wake of these events. At the Mesulam Center, faculty, staff, and clinicians have navigated these challenges to continue operations, research endeavors, and provide clinical care for those with dementia. We have put together a timeline of 2020 to reflect on the ways we have adapted.
New Research: Novel Alzheimer’s Disease genetic risk factors and biological pathways discovered in African American individuals
Four novel, African-American-specific Alzheimer’s disease risk genes were discovered in a study of African American individuals published in JAMA Neurology. The identification of these risk genes are critical to finding new treatments for Alzheimer’s disease for African American individuals.

A new explanation was discovered by a team of collaborators, including Bob Vassar, PhD, director of the Northwestern Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center.
Arts for Brain Health: Theater Care Package
The Arts for Brain Health Coalition is committed to providing resources to improve the quality of life of aging adults, especially those experiencing memory loss. To support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic, the coalition has put together a Theater Care Package, in both English and Spanish, which includes six theater activities to encourage creativity, energy and inspiration.  
Northwestern student creates care packages for individuals with Alzheimer's
A Northwestern undergraduate student was inspired by her grandmother's Alzheimer's diagnosis to offer care packages for individuals with dementia. Victoria Da Conceicao started Alzheimer's Brain Box, a subscription box for individuals with dementia, to deliver engaging activities including coloring sheets to the doorstep.
Upcoming Events
Community Book Discussion: January 2021
Join us in the new year for a book discussion with WBEZ Reporter Natalie Moore. As a Chicago native, Moore shines a light on the contemporary segregation in the city’s South Side. With a memoirist’s eye, she showcases the lives of these communities through the stories of people who reside there. Join the Zoom session on Friday, January 8, 2021 at 12 p.m. CT.
Are you a Mesulam Center research participant? Are you interested in sharing your story? Consider joining our team of research advocates.
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If you have thoughts about what you would like to see in this newsletter, please email your ideas to our senior communications coordinator Haleigh Ehmsen.