Mesulam Center Connections

We are proud to bring you our new monthly email newsletter, Connections. Each installation will offers stories and updates about individuals living with dementia, their caregivers, research findings, support, and more.

Recent Issues

April 2024

Uncover how art becomes a profound means of communication and expression amidst language loss, leaving a lasting legacy at the Mesulam Center and beyond. Also learn more about the 25th anniversary of SuperAging at Northwestern, upcoming events, and the latest research coming out of the Mesulam Center.

April 2024 Connections

Graphic says Celebrating Black History Month

February 2024

In honor of Black History Month, view resources that shed light on the racial disparities experienced by Black Americans and other underrepresented groups living with Alzheimer’s and related dementias. Additionally, Sandra Weintraub spoke on Wendy William's recent diagnosis and view a profile on Director of the Mesulam Center, Bob Vassar.

February 2024 Connections

January 2024

Sandra Weintraub, PhD, and a group of researchers around the country have spent years developing DeNomI, a groundbreaking plan to address communication challenges in dementia diagnoses and enhance public understanding of related diseases. Also learn about a new Northwestern Medicine study about the RNA in Alzheimer's, how researchers are working to better understand FTD on a global level, and more.

January 2024 Connections

December 2023

Borna Bonakdarpour, MD, FAAN, talks about the potential future implications of the "Musical Bridges to Memory" intervention, which looks at the power of music in connecting with individuals suffering from dementia, particularly in the later stages. Also view helpful resources for navigating the holidays Alzheimer's and related dementias, view upcoming events, and more.

December 2023 Connections

Past Issues

2023

November 2023: Access the Fall 2023 issue of the Mesulam Center newsletter, highlighting key news and achievements from the past year, view resources for navigating the holidays, learn more about the Dementia Nomenclature Initiative, and more.
October 2023: Read event coverage from the Know Your Chicago "Brain Health: Innovation and Hope" events, featuring several Mesulam Center faculty members. Take a tour of the Mesulam Center Brain Bank and see photos from the Alzheimer's Associations 2023 Walk to End Alzheimer's.
August 2023: Marsel Mesulam, MD was recently awarded the Distinguished Lifetime Contribution to Neuropsychology Award. In addition, view featured publications, upcoming events, and recent media coverage.
July 2023: Our oldest SuperAger, Edith Renfrow, sat down with WGN to reflect on her life up to this point and her plans for the future. Additionally, learn about recent studies from the Mesulam Center and our upcoming summer programming.
June 2023: The Mesulam Center hosted 29th Annual Alzheimer Day in May 2023. Learn more about the event, our NU PREP research education program, and read a profile on Jaiashre Sridhar, a research data analyst at the Mesulam Center.
March 2023: In the summer of 2022, Washington Heights, a neighborhood on the southside of Chicago, was designated a dementia friendly community by Dementia Friendly America. Learn more about the initative and recent media coverage from the Mesulam Center.
February 2023: Meet Robert Vassar, the new director of the Mesulam Center. Additionally read recent media coverage about Lecanemab and our SuperAging Research Initiative.

2022

December 2022: The Mesulam Center sends holiday greetings to our entire community. Additionally, SuperAger Carol Siegler was interviewed by CNN to discuss her participation in the program.
November 2022: After 28 years of leadership, Marsel Mesulam announced that he will be stepping down as director of the Mesulam Center. He will be succeeded by Robert Vassar. Learn more about the transition and read international media coverage of our SuperAging program and our annual print newsletter.
September 2022: Shares of Eisai Co. and partner Biogen Inc. soared following reports that their drug lecanemab helped slow cognitive decline in people living with early Alzheimer's disease, however, questions remain over the benefits, side effects, and insurance coverage. Additionally read recent media coverage from Borna Bonakdarpour and Emily Rogalski.
August 2022: The Mesulam Center recently received a $10.4M grant to continue our 15-year-long PPA study. Additionally read recent media coverage from Sandra Weintraub, Emily Rogalski, and Brittanie Muse.
July 2022: Meet the Mesulam Center’s new Senior Community Engagement Coordinator. Learn about Phyllis’s work in the Chicagoland area and a recap of Jason Boschan’s Mount Everest marathon.
June 2022: June was "Alzheimer's & Brain Awareness Month." Learn more about this month, in addition to recent recognition and awards for Emily Rogalski, PhD and Marsel Mesulam, MD.
May 2022: We hosted the first in-person Alzheimer Day in three years. Read about the event, Dr. Mesulam's recent keynote lecture, and Jason Boschan running the Mt. Everest Marathon.

2021

October 2021: This month, we share the exciting news that the SuperAging grant received $20 million in funding to expand research across the US and Canada, as well as upcoming events.
September 2021: As fall begins, we highlight the naming of the Buddy Program and the significance of one family’s gift, as well as the latest PPA research and upcoming events.
August 2021: This month we recap the research our faculty and staff presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference and share the story of a research participant and novelist living with PPA.
July 2021: This issue highlights a return to in-person research visits, one PPA participant's story, and upcoming events hosted by our community partners.
June 2021: This month we discuss important research milestones including success with neuroimaging and the newly FDA approved drug, aducanumab.
May 2021: In May we hosted our annual Alzheimer Day conference online. Read more about the event and a new collaborative study as well as upcoming events.
April 2021: This month we recap our PPA Conference, share the experience of one of our research participants and news of a recent faculty grant.
March 2021: In this issue, we highlight the different between normal aging and dementia, a research participant's experience, and invite you to attend our online conferences.
February 2021: This month, we highlight our partnership with the Atlas Center, feature a family's participation in research, and provide information about our upcoming PPA Conference
January 2021: In this issue, we interview a SuperAger, share how the Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic has adapted during the pandemic, and highlight recent PPA research.

2020

December 2020: In this issue, we review the unique year, new research on Novel Alzheimer’s Disease genetic risk factors for African Americans, and more.
November 2020: This month we offer tips for caregivers during the holidays, insight into new PPA research, and how our faculty are addressing the neurological symptoms of COVID.
October 2020: Read about how the center community walked to support dementia research and is staying connected during the pandemic.
September 2020: Learn more about becoming a Mesulam Center Research Advocate, brain donation at the Center, and our upcoming Alzheimer Day.
August 2020: Our first issue includes an introduction by Dr. Mesulam, a reflection from a Buddy Program participant, and more.