Every part of the brain surface (the cerebral cortex) has a specific job description. Some areas move the arms, others the legs, still others make it possible to see or speak. But one part of the brain surface, a region called the temporal pole because it is at the very tip of the temporal lobe, could not be linked to a specific function for at least the first 100 years of research on the cortex, according to a recent study published in Annals of Neurology. | | |
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Authors: Antonia Zouridakis, Ivan Ayala, Grace Minogue, Allegra Kawles, Rachel Keszycki, Alyssa Macomber, Eileen H. Bigio, Changiz Geula, Marek-Marsel Mesulam, Tamar Gefen
Published: The Journal of Comparative Neurology, June 27, 2023
The human brain is comprised of gray matter and white matter. Gray matter is made up of neuronal cell bodies, while white matter consists of myelinated axons. Neurons within white matter were first examined in 1867 by Theodor Meynert through accidental discovery (Meynert, 1867). Over a century later, members of the Mesulam Center continued to carry out an extensive and systematic analysis of these peculiar neurons in white matter, which is by definition supposed to be free of neurons.
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Upcoming Events with Community Partners | | |
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South Loop Virtual Memory Café: Fun in the Sun
July 25, 2:00 - 3:00 PM
Join the South Loop Village and the Mesulam Center for the monthly Virtual Memory Café. These free virtual social gathering are for persons living with dementia and their family, friends, and care partners. Meetings are held via Zoom every fourth Tuesday of the month. RSVP here.
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South Loop Memory Café: Let's Travel
August 10, 3:00 - 4:00 PM
The South Loop Village Memory Café is a free monthly social gathering for persons living with dementia and their family, friends, and care partners. Meetings are in-person at the Second Presbyterian Church in Fellowship Hall. They are hosted every second Thursday of the month.
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Healthy Aging Summer Series
Wednesdays, 1:00 - 2:30 PM
In collaboration with the Mesulam Center and community partners, the South Loop Village is hosting a Healthy Aging Summer Series at Hall Library (4801 S. Michigan, Chicago, IL). Below are some upcoming events in the series:
July 26: Brain Health and Dementia Friends Training
Join the South Loop Village and the Mesulam Center to learn about brain health, become a Dementia Friend, and talk with Northwestern neurologist Dr. Allison Lapins.
August 9: City of Chicago Senior Services
Join the Chicago Department of Family & Support Services Senior Services Division as they present a variety of programs designed to address the needs of older adults.
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Boxville Mobile Market Day
July 20, 2:00 – 3:00 PM
The Mesulam Center will be at Boxville Mobile Market Days (330 East 51st Street). Join us to for an informational table where you can learn about the Mesulam Center and leave with resources about healthy aging, dementia, and caregiving. Our community partner Mather to learn more about their creating aging initiatives and participate in a weaving demonstration.
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National Night Out
August 1, 6:00 – 9:30 PM
Join the Chicago Police Department, 1st District, for the 38th Annual National Night Out at 401 N. Michigan Ave. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie for residents and friends of the Bronzeville community.
Join the Mesulam Center and South Loop village at our table with brain health activities for the entire family.
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Apostolic Church of God: Health and Wellness Fair
August 9, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
The Mesulam Center will be at the Apostolic Church of God: Health and Wellness Fair at 6320 S. Dorchester Ave. This event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!
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An Investment in Brain Health [3 Minute Read]
When Jeanne Martineau decided to include Northwestern in her estate plan, she was motivated by three reasons: love for her parents, a belief in the power of music, and the desire to illuminate the causes of dementia and help people living with this illness. Her planned gift will benefit Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the University’s School of Communication.
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Could Alzheimer's Have Origins in the Gut? [5 Minute Read]
People with early markers of Alzheimer's disease in the brain also have alterations in their gut bacteria, a new study finds — hinting at a potential way to identify people at risk of dementia, and possibly even treat them. Robert Vassar, PhD, discussed the findings and potential implications.
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Can Supplements Help You Focus? [5 Minute Read]
Some manufacturers claim certain formulations can sharpen the mind, but experts say the evidence behind that idea is lacking. If a single supplement could boost your mental performance —by increasing alertness and focus, clearing brain fog, sharpening your memory and reducing the urge to procrastinate —you might feel as if you stumbled upon a revolutionary hack for productivity. Joshua Cahan, MD discusses.
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How to Use Music to Reconnect With a Dementia Patient [3 Minute Read]
In later stages of Alzheimer's disease and other types of dementia, patients may become unable to communicate verbally, which can take a toll on their relationships with family, friends, and caregivers, but a recent study from Northwestern University shows that music can become a bridge to communication.
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