YouTube video by Penn Memory Center

YouTube video by Penn Memory Center

At the Penn Memory Center, we often recommend exercise, social engagement, and a solid support system to help people age well. Owning a dog is not on that list, but maybe it should be. For many older adults, dogs are more than companions. They’re motivators to stay active, reasons to connect with neighbors, and steady sources of comfort through life’s challenges. Emerging research suggests that that this age-old bond between humans and dogs may be one of our healthiest friendships. On this episode of The Age of Aging, we celebrate dogs, and how they might help us live long, healthy lives.   First, we hear from caregivers and dog owners about how their dogs help them care for their loved ones with dementia. Then, Professor Philip Tedeschi explains how humans’ co-evolution with dogs has made us perfect support system for one another. Lynn Cronomiz recounts how a powerful moment between a therapy dog and her mother with Alzheimer’s helped her process her mother’s passing. Finally, we explore humans’ inseparable connection with nature through the biophilia hypothesis.  Resources  • Dog ownership (https://ebusiness.avma.org/files/ProductDownloads/eco-pet-demographic-report-22-low-res.pdf) in the U.S. statistics – American Veterinary Medical Association  • “2025 Alzheimer’s Facts and Figures” (https://www.alz.org/getmedia/ef8f48f9-ad36-48ea-87f9-b74034635c1e/alzheimers-facts-and-figures.pdf) –  Alzheimer’s Association  • Listen to Season 1 Episode 4, “Diagnosing Dementia,” (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/diagnosing-dementia/id1757439424?i=1000668135282) featuring Lynn Cronomiz  • Learn more about the Insitute for Human-Animal Connection (https://socialwork.du.edu/humananimalconnection)   • Visit KPETS, (https://kpets.org/) which Lynn Cronomiz does her therapy dog work with  • Learn more about the “biophilia hypothesis” (https://www.britannica.com/science/biophilia-hypothesis)   • Petfinder (https://www.petfinder.com/) to adopt a pet near you  • Visit the American Kennel Club website (https://www.akc.org/) for more information on dog breeds  Special thanks to Tom Casey, Miguel Centeno, Kathy Oldfield, Philip Tedeschi LCSW, MSSW, Lynn Cronomiz, and Carlo Siracusa DVM, PhD, DACVB, DECAWBM  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and Penn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharpe.  The Age of Aging is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund and our sponsor, the TIAA Institute. The TIAA Institute is a think tank committed to building knowledge that advances lifelong financial security and well-being while considering the intersections of health and wealth. Their cutting-edge research provides actionable financial and longevity insights that help individuals and employers navigate the complex journey of aging.

This episode explores groundbreaking qualitative research from the University of Pennsylvania on patient and caregiver perspectives in Alzheimer disease. Catherine Auriemma, MD, MSHP, Perelman School ...

YouTube video by Penn Memory Center

New recommendations for early treatment of hypertension to prevent strokes, heart attacks and dementia come as an experimental medication is shown to lower blood pressure in hard-to-treat patients.

YouTube video by Penn Memory Center

‘Air pollution doesn’t just increase the risk of dementia — it actually makes Alzheimer’s disease worse,’ Dr. Edward Lee says

Welcome to a mid-year bonus episode of The Age of Aging! While the podcast takes a short break between seasons, we wanted to bring you a special update on the state of Alzheimer’s today. Penn Memory Center Co-Directors Dr. Jason Karlawish and Dr. David Wolk sat down with Terrence Casey to share their reflections from this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), which they attended earlier this summer. They discuss their biggest takeaways, including the impact of NIH funding cuts, the rapid innovations that continue to shape the field, and what they’re keeping their eye on for next year’s conference in London.   We hope you enjoy and stay tuned for season 4 of The Age of Aging this fall! If you enjoy the show, leave us a review and share this episode with a friend. If you have any story suggestions for Season 4 and beyond, contact us at ageofaging@pennmedicine.upenn.edu (mailto:ageofaging@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) .   Resources  • Learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association and AAIC (https://aaic.alz.org/overview.asp)   Special thanks to Jason Karlawish, MD and David Wolk, MD.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.

Welcome to a mid-year bonus episode of The Age of Aging! While the podcast takes a short break between seasons, we wanted to bring you a special update on the state of Alzheimer’s today. Penn Memory Center Co-Directors Dr. Jason Karlawish and Dr. David Wolk sat down with Terrence Casey to share their reflections from this year’s Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC), which they attended earlier this summer. They discuss their biggest takeaways, including the impact of NIH funding cuts, the rapid innovations that continue to shape the field, and what they’re keeping their eye on for next year’s conference in London.   We hope you enjoy and stay tuned for season 4 of The Age of Aging this fall! If you enjoy the show, leave us a review and share this episode with a friend. If you have any story suggestions for Season 4 and beyond, contact us at ageofaging@pennmedicine.upenn.edu (mailto:ageofaging@pennmedicine.upenn.edu) .   Resources  • Learn more about the Alzheimer’s Association and AAIC (https://aaic.alz.org/overview.asp)   Special thanks to Jason Karlawish, MD and David Wolk, MD.  The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.

By Meghan McCarthy Editor’s Note: This article is part of the Disability and Dementia Series, an ongoing project highlighting the experiences of individuals with intellectual disabilities who are affe...

What if your doctor could, when you turn 65, order a test that predicts whether you are going to develop Alzheimer’s dementia in your 70s or 80s? And what if – in case the test comes back

This JAMA Insights explores strategies for effectively communicating a diagnosis of mild cognitive impairment or dementia to patients and their care partners.

Lead-exposed neurons show persistent vulnerabilities

When we talk about dementia on this podcast, we are often talking about its most common cause: Alzheimer's disease. However, dementia has many causes, and among the most prevalent after Alzheimer’s is Lewy Body Disease. Though it can share similarities with Alzheimer’s, Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) has distinct symptoms and challenges that can complicate diagnosis, treatment, and caregiving.   On the season 3 finale of the Age of Aging, we explore Lewy Body Disease and its impact on caregivers and families.   We begin with a clip from the documentary Facing the Wind, which follows two caregivers as they navigate caring for their husbands with Lewy Body Disease. Then, Co-Host Terrence Casey shares his reflections on a live Q&A following a screening of the film in Philadelphia. Finally, Dr. Jason Karlawish provides a deeper insight into Lewy Body Disease, its significance in the world of aging research, and what it reveals about caregiving today.  Resources  • Find an upcoming screening (https://facingthewindfilm.com/screenings/) of Facing the Wind  • Learn more about Lewy Body Dementia (https://pennmemorycenter.org/education-and-support-resources/understanding-my-diagnosis/ed-lewy-body-dementia-parkinsons-dementia/)   • National Institute of Health booklet (https://www.lbda.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/lewy-body-dementia-booklet.pdf) on Lewy Body Dementia  • More resources on Lewy Body Dementia Association (https://www.lbda.org/) website  Special thanks to Tony Heriza, Deirdra Fishel, and Linda Szypula for sharing their film with us and being a part of this episode. Special thanks as well to ARTZ Philidelphia for presenting the screening and Q&A. The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson, in partnership with the Penn FTD Center, the Penn Institute on Aging, and UPenn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Nicolette Calcavecchia, Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meaghan Sharp.

By Meghan McCarthy  Editor’s Note: This article is part of the Disability and Dementia Series, an ongoing project highlighting the experiences of individuals with intellectual disabilities who are aff...

By Meghan McCarthy  Brent Forester, MD, Dr. Frances S. Arkin chair and professor of Psychiatry at Tufts University School of Medicine, first considered electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) as a treatment f...

YouTube video by PennAITech

Jeffrey Maneval, MD, is departing the Penn Memory Center (PMC) after a tenure defined by compassionate clinical excellence and a commitment to the next generation of dementia specialists.  Dr. Maneval...

Expert advice and practical steps for caregivers to ensure a smooth trip

By Meghan McCarthy  The connection between mental health and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) is often overlooked and understudied. Research shows that individuals with psychiatric co...

By Meghan McCarthy  The connection between mental health and Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRDs) is often overlooked and understudied. Research shows that individuals with psychiatric co...

In LDI’s Norma B. Coe’s new study, she found that a combination of family and formal care at home led to better health outcomes than either approach alone.