Age of Aging

Latest Episodes:

What's Your Voting Plan? Oct 29, 2024

This November, millions of Americans will head to the polls for the 2024 presidential election. But while the right to vote is essential to our democracy, unfortunately, the process of voting can present unique challenges for individuals with disabilities like dementia, often requiring outside assistance. If you’re a caregiver, how much can you help someone vote? What kind of assistance is available to those with dementia?

On episode 3 of the Age of Aging, we look at voting, and what the process means for individuals with dementia and their caregivers.

We begin by talking with Dr. Jason Karlawish who discusses the legal framework around voting capacity and shares his perspective on how to define a person’s capacity to vote. Then, voting advocate TJ DeLuca provides some important information on assisting the voting process for individuals with disabilities. Finally, we’ll hear from a voter who was falsely told he could not help his wife with dementia vote in 2020.

Resources

Pennsylvania Designated Agent Form

Check out the American Bar Association and Penn Memory Center’s guide to voting with cognitive impairment

More on Doe v. Rowe case

Read Dr. Karlawish’s study on voting in long-term care facilities

Visit disabilityrightspa.org or call 1-800-692-7443 to learn your rights

Special thanks to Jason Karlawish, MD, TJ DeLuca, and John Moore for being a part of this episode.

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, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Meaghan Sharp.

Arts on the Mind Oct 15, 2024

An Alzheimer's doctor goes to the opera...This isn't the start of a bad joke; it's the result of a collaboration between the Penn Memory Center and leaders of Philadelphia's arts community. The first of its kind at PMC, the Arts on the Mind Festival explored the intersection of the mind and art over a two-month event span. Music, literature, visual art, and film were all featured as mediums to better understand the importance of art in our lives and even how art can be used to help those with cognitive impairment.

On episode 2 of the Age of Aging’s second season, we take a look at the Arts on the Mind Festival to understand just how essential the arts and creativity are for us as aging humans.

We start at the first event of Arts on the Mind at the Franklin Institute for a discussion between Dr. Jason Karlawish and special guest Anne Basting on the mind and creativity. Then, we’ll hear from the festival’s creators on how their vision evolved over time and why it ultimately became what it did. Finally, we’ll examine the deeper connection between art and the brain, asking: Could creative expression be more than just a source of joy? Could it be a therapeutic tool for those with cognitive challenges?

Resources

Learn more about the Arts on the Mind Festival

Check out more programs at the Penn Memory Center

Visit Anne Basting’s website

Learn more about “A Song by Mahler”

Collaborators include: The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, The Penn Memory Center, The Franklin Insitute, The Philadelphia Film Society, the Free Library, and ARTZ Philadelphia

Special thanks to Jayatri Das, PhD, Jason Karlawish, MD, Anne Basting, PhD, Miles Cohen, Judy Freedman, Allen Freedman, and Mark Neikrug for being a part of this episode.

In Sickness and in Health Oct 01, 2024

Over the past two years, the world has seen major developments in Alzheimer’s disease treatment with the release of two new medications: Lecanamab, marketed as Leqembi, and Donanemab, marketed as Kisunla. These two treatments are the first of their kind to reduce the physical signs of Alzheimer’s disease in the brain and potentially slow down the progression of cognitive decline.

In the premiere episode of season 2 of the Age of Aging, we explore these new anti-amyloid therapies, what they are, and how they may change the lives of patients and caregivers.

We begin with the personal story of a couple who have participated in the Donanemab clinical trials over the past three years, sharing their firsthand experiences with the medication. Project Manager of this trial at the Penn Memory Center, Melissa Kelley, provides insights into the journey of these participants. Additionally, Dr. Sanjeev Vaishnavi offers an expert breakdown of anti-amyloid therapies, explaining what they are, how they work, and what they might mean for the future of Alzheimer’s disease treatment.

Resources

More resources on Lecanamab (Leqembi)
Learn more about disease modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s disease
Check out studies currently enrolling at the Penn Memory Center.

Special thanks to Dan and Susan Henderson, Melissa Kelley, and Sanjeev Vaishnavi MD, PhD, for contributing to this episode.

What's Next for the Age of Aging Sep 17, 2024

The first four episodes mark the end of the first season of the Age of Aging. But don’t worry! The second season of the Age of Aging will resume two weeks from now. With a slightly different format, the stories of Season 2 will feature old and new voices from researchers, clinicians, and patients.

In this episode, hosts Terrence and Jake reflect on their favorite stories from season one, share feedback from listeners, and talk about the lessons learned along the way. They’ll also give you a sneak peek into season two, highlighting some of the stories and topics to look forward to in the coming months.

Resources

Visit the Age of Aging page on the Penn Memory Center website

Listen to the Age of Aging on YouTube

Visit the Penn Memory Center, Penn FTD Center, and the Penn Institute on Aging websites

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, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Meg McCarthy.

Diagnosing Dementia Sep 03, 2024

Diagnostic testing is at the heart of both the clinical care and research at the Penn Memory Center. Patients and research participants alike undergo various diagnostics such as PET scans, MRI scans, and cognitive tests. These tools help clinicians turn symptoms such as dementia into a diagnosis like Alzheimer’s disease. But what are these tests? And what can they actually tell us about aging?

On Episode 4 of the Age of Aging, we examine the full diagnostic experience.

Our first segment explores MRI and PET scans and what they tell us about the brain. Then, Dr. Lauren Massimo from the Penn Frontotemporal Degeneration Center introduces other dementia-causing diseases beyond Alzheimer’s. We then hear from one couple about their decisions to donate their brains after death to help further aging research. Finally, to end our first season, Dr. Massimo discusses the legacy of her late mentor, and a major figure in the world of aging research, Dr. Murray Grossman.

Resources

Learn more about the studies currently enrolling at the Penn Memory Center

Visit the Penn FTD Center website

Read more about the Kung’s decision to donate their brains

More information on brain donation at PMC

Watch the Dr. Murray Grossman’s full memorial symposium

Thank you to John Detre, MD, Lynn Cronomiz, Lauren Massimo, PhD, CRNP, FAAN, and Ed and Marcia Kung.

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, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Cait Kearney, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Olivia Vozzella.

The Caregiving Episode Aug 20, 2024

We often think of Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia in terms of their impact on the individual living with the disease. Of course, this is with good reason: a person with an age-related neurological disease will experience difficulties in their day-to-day life incomprehensible to most others. However, for every patient, there is one person or many people caring for that person daily. Caregivers do the often unsung physical and emotional labor of dementia, making sure a person is safe, healthy, and living as comfortably as they can be.

In honor of this important role, today’s episode is dedicated to the caregivers.

In our first story, social worker Kate Lietz offers self-care tips for caregivers. Our second story comes from our friends at the podcast Bob’s Last Marathon, who spoke with the then-executive director of the Penn Memory Center Felicia Greenfield. Greenfield provides information on support groups and programs available to caregivers. Our final story in this episode will feature the voice and poems of Alexandra Martinez, whose collection of poems deals with her mother’s development of dementia due to Alzheimer’s.

Resources

Learn more about support services and programs at the Penn Memory Center

Listen to Bob’s Last Marathon

Stream, download, or buy Alexandra Martinez’s collection of poems HEARTBREAKER

Music credit: “Dawn Breaking,” and “Anywhere Else (alien’s re-bake)” by Moody Alien via Free Music Archive

Thank you to Kate Lietz, MSW, LSW, the folks at Bob’s Last Marathon, Felicia Greenfield MSW, LCSW, and Alexandra Martinez for contributing to this episode.

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, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Cait Kearney, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Olivia Vozzella.

Living Well with Purpose Aug 06, 2024

We all hope that we can age with as much independence, purpose, and well-being as possible in our later years. Unfortunately, aging is never so straightforward and we will all face our own unique challenges and complexities as we get older. So, with all this uncertainty, how do we get the most out of this later stage of life?

In our second episode of the Age of Aging, we explore stories about maintaining dignity, health, and a sense of meaning in our older years.

Our first story will look at a new model for care called “Supported Decision-Making,” which aims to give those with impairment greater autonomy for as long as possible. For our second, Dr. Claudia Kawas discusses her research on the oldest people in our population and what they can tell us about aging. Then, we will hear about the late Carl Duzen, who began creating art as his dementia from Alzheimer’s progressed. Our final story will cover Memory Cafés, a major program at Penn and beyond, which provides a safe space for art and community for those living with dementia.

Resources

Learn more about Supported Decision-Making

Check out the ACLU’s Supported Decision-Making Resource Library

Watch the extended interview with Dr. Claudia Kawas

Carl Duzen on “It’ll Make Sense When You’re Older” by This American Life

Moment to Moment by Mike Attie

Learn more about Carl Duzen

More information on Memory Cafés (AARP)

Learn more about Memory Cafés at the Penn Memory Center

Thank you to Emily Largent, PhD, RN, Claudia Kawas, MD, Carl Duzen, PhD, Susan Jewett, Louise Qualtrene, Marjorie Snelling, Meg Kalafsky, MHCI, Debbie Feldman, Joanne Beam for being a part of this episode. Thanks as well to the Quaker Notes for their wonderful singing.

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, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Cait Kearney, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Olivia Vozzella.

Do I Want to Know? Jul 23, 2024

Clinical advancements have made it easier than ever to learn your personal risk of developing age-related diseases such as Alzheimer’s. Through genetic testing or biomarker measurement, you can learn if you’re more likely than your peers to develop dementia as you age.

Do you want to know?

In our first episode of the Age of Aging, we explore exactly that question.

First, we’ll hear about the role of genetic counselors in guiding people through the process of genetic testing. In our second story, Dr. Emily Largent discusses how people react to learning their level of risk for Alzheimer’s. Then Dr. Shana Stites discusses the way stigma impacts those with cognitive impairment and those wanting to learn their risk.

Finally, we’ll hear an update on how the Penn Memory Center is rolling out the new prescription Alzheimer’s disease treatment, Leqembi.

Resources

Find a genetic counselor through the National Society of Genetic Counselors (NSGC)
More information on SOKRATES
“Stigma causes underdiagnosis in dementia,” by Meghan McCarthy
More information on Leqembi and other disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer’s

Thank you to Laynie Dratch, SCM, CGC, Elisabeth Wood, MS, LCGC, Deia Schlosberg, Emily Largent, PhD, RN, Shana Stites, PsyD, MA, MS, and Jason Karlawish, MD, for being a part of this episode. Special thanks to Melissa Flamporis, Melissa Kelley, Dan Papa, and Alex Prusky for lending their voices to the SOKRATES participants.

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, Marie Ingegneri, Jason Karlawish, Cait Kearney, Emily Largent, Meg McCarthy, and Olivia Vozzella.