Mesulam Center Connections: Mesulam Center Receives $10.4 Million Grant to Fund PPA Research

August 2022

The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine has been awarded a $10.4 million grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA) to support the center’s ongoing research on Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA).

Dr. Marsel Mesulam, director of the Mesulam Center, identified the disease and coined the term in 1982. The center continues to be a global leader in PPA research.

This award will enable the Mesulam Center to continue its 15-year-long study of PPA and focus on enrolling and supporting newly diagnosed persons each year. The grant also will support the Mesulam Center’s effort to increase representation of traditionally underrepresented groups in research studies including Black/African American and Hispanic/ Latino communities and raise awareness in their communities, a primary goal of the center.

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Experts had long believed that exercise could help protect against developing dementia. However, though they had observed a general pattern of reduced risk, studies on the subject had been small — and often conflicting — with little consensus on the type, frequency or intensity of exercise that might be best.

Sandra Weintraub, PhD, recently sat down with the New York Times to discuss three major long-term studies released in recent months have attempted to characterize the types, intensities and durations of physical activity that confer the most overall protection against dementia.

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A new study looked at the impact of specific activities, from walking to watching TV, on reducing risk of dementia as you age. Emily Rogalski, PhD, discussed these findings and the importance of remaining mentally, physically, and socially active with the TODAY Show.

“It’s exciting for people to hear that there is a choice they can make for their own brain health,” Rogalski said. “It’s important to be able to provide hope in a time where Alzheimer’s treatments have been somewhat controversial and disappointing.”

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Brittanie Muse, MSPH, CCRC, was recently interviewed by WVON-AM radio to discuss the AHEAD Study and the importance of URG recruitment in clinical trials.

Listen to the Interview Here

Upcoming Events with Community Partners

South Loop Memory Café: School Daze

September 8, 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.

South Loop Virtual Memory Café: School Daze

September 27, 2:00 - 3:00 PM

The South Loop Village and the Mesulam Center are excited to announce that our monthly Virtual Me mory Café is back. 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.

There is still time to join the Mesulam Center's team for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, October 8 at Soldier Field. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

We hope that you will join our team! Family and friends are also welcome to join. All members of the team will receive a custom t-shirt!

To register, click the button below and select “JOIN OUR TEAM.” Our team name is “Mesulam Center – Northwestern University”. You will receive an email after registering to confirm that you have joined the team!

Stayed tuned for more information. Email Callen Spencer and/or Bobby Bobbitt with any questions.

Join the Mesulam Center Team

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