News and Announcements
Read the latest news from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine’s Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease. The links below take you to articles where you can learn more about our members' latest achievements, awards and honors.
10.24.2024 New York TimesA recent investigation into Alzheimer’s drug trials reveals that some volunteers were not informed of their genetic predisposition to brain injuries, raising ethical concerns about informed consent. The Mesulam Center's Rudolph Castellani, MD, discussed with The New York Times his autopsy findings of a trial participant and the broader implications of transparency in clinical research.
10.22.2024 Library of CongressIn May 2024, Sandra Weintraub, PhD and Molly Mather, PhD, two Mesulam Center faculty members overseeing the Northwestern University SuperAging Program, joined the Library of Congress to discuss brain health, the effects of aging, and their research on SuperAging.
10.16.2024 Research RenaissanceIn this enlightening episode of Research Renaissance, Deborah Westphal speaks with Dr. Robert Vassar, a renowned neuroscientist and Director of the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease at Northwestern University. Dr. Vassar shares his personal journey into the field of Alzheimer’s research, the evolution of diagnostic tools, and the latest technological breakthroughs in the fight against neurodegenerative diseases.
10.02.2024 The Free Press“When we use musical intervention, we’re looking for areas and networks in the brain that are intact to serve as bridges and help the areas that are not working well. Singing, for example, can be a bridge to communicating better through language. The rhythmic nature of music can help people walk better.” Borna Bonakdarpour, MD, on using music to unlock memory.
10.02.2024 Northwestern MagazineIn an extraordinary study on aging, researchers at Northwestern University are uncovering what makes "SuperAgers" so unique. The Northwestern University SuperAging Program (NUSAP), now in its 25th year, combines cutting-edge science with personal connections, following participants through life and even after death.
09.24.2024Feinberg principal investigators secured $742.2 million dollars in research funding and awards during the 2023-24 fiscal year, a five percent increase over the previous year, and the largest amount in the school’s history.
09.20.2024 Northwestern MedicineWant to learn more about Alzheimer's and related dementias? Northwestern Medicine's Ian M. Grant, MD, behavioral neurologist, and Jennifer M. Woodward, MD, geriatrician answer some commonly asked questions.
08.30.2024An international team of investigators have discovered that oligodendrocytes contribute approximately one-third of plaque formation alongside neurons in mouse models of Alzheimer’s disease, according to a recent study published in Nature Neuroscience.
The post Non-Neuron Brain Cells Produce a Third of Amyloid Plaque in Alzheimer’s Disease appeared first on News Center.
07.25.2024Northwestern Medicine scientists have discovered that mitochondria are not necessary for the proliferation of immune cells called microglia, but do help them respond to demyelinating injury, according to a study published in Nature Metabolism.
07.18.2024 WebMDDiscover how the brain can maintain health and functionality despite aging. Tamar Gefen, PhD, discusses insights into the remarkable resilience of SuperAgers and the Northwestern University SuperAging Program. Learn about the latest research on cognitive health and the factors contributing to exceptional memory retention and mental skills in older adults.
07.11.2024 Chicago Sun TimesSuperAger Edith Renfrow Smith is a rare “supercentenarian,” as she turns 110 on July 14. In the fall her alma mater, Grinell College, is naming a new dorm after her. Read her inspiring story!
07.09.2024 CNNThe Mesulam Center's Sandra Weintraub, PhD, joined CNN to discuss President Biden's cognitive health, highlighting the effects of aging and the importance of sleep and medical history on cognitive abilities
- 06.27.2024
Marking 25 years of groundbreaking research, the Northwestern University SuperAging Program (NUSAP) investigates SuperAgers—adults over 80 with memory abilities comparable to those 20 to 30 years younger. The program, pioneered by Sandra Weintraub, PhD, and Marsel Mesulam, MD, explores how these individuals defy normal cognitive aging.
06.26.2024Northwestern investigators have identified a novel transcription factor which regulates a signaling mechanism utilized by a fertilized embryo to protect its mother from cellular and environmental stress, according to a recent study to published in the journal Genes and Development.
06.10.2024 Yahoo CanadaJoshua Cahan, MD, highlighted safety concerns with new anti-amyloid monoclonal antibodies, as FDA advisers meet to assess Eli Lilly's Alzheimer's drug, donanemab. This decision could shape future therapies for Alzheimer's patients.
- 06.05.2024 Buzzfeed
Experts, including the Mesulam Center's Tamar Gefen, PhD, highlight the unique qualities of "SuperAgers". While no specific trick ensures becoming a SuperAger, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining social connections, and reducing stress are key practices observed among them.
06.04.2024The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease celebrated its 30th Annual Alzheimer’s Day on May 3, 2024, where researchers and community members came together to learn about recent accomplishments in the field, early-onset Alzheimer’s and community efforts raising awareness for those experiencing cognitive decline.
The post Mesulam Center Celebrates 30th Annual Alzheimer Day appeared first on News Center.
- 06.04.2024 Better Edge PodcastBorna Bonakdarpour, MD sat down with Northwestern Medicine's Better Edge podcast to discuss the highlights from the 2024 American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting. Dr. Bonakdarpour discusses leveraging the learnings from the meeting by incorporating the latest research and treatment approaches into patient care.
06.03.2024The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease celebrated its 30th Annual Alzheimer Day on May 3, 2024, where researchers and community members came together to learn about recent accomplishments in the field, early-onset Alzheimer’s and community efforts raising awareness for those experiencing cognitive decline.
05.18.2024For decades, Marcus Peter, PhD, has drilled into an area of research focused on cell death and the roles of toxic and protective short RNAs, with the goal of developing a novel form of cancer treatment. Now, this same line of research has led Peter’s team to uncover new insights into the cause of Alzheimer’s disease. In this episode, Peter explains his pioneering work in investigating RNA interference in diseases and explains how his lab’s latest novel discovery may have relevance to an array of neurodegenerative diseases beyond Alzheimer’s.
05.15.2024 Research RenaissanceElena Barbieri recently sat down with the Research Renaissance podcast to discuss primary progressive aphasia (PPA), a rare neurological disorder progressively impairs the ability to speak and understand language while other cognitive functions remain relatively intact.
05.10.2024A unique genetic variation in the MAPT gene was associated with increased risk of Pick’s disease, a rare form of frontotemporal dementia, according to a recent study published in The Lancet Neurology.
The post Genetic Variation Linked to Increased Risk of Pick’s Disease appeared first on News Center.
05.06.2024 WBEZ ChicagoFamilies are often the first line of defense in the fight against degenerative brain diseases, and experts say early intervention is key. The Mesulam Center's Molly Mather, PhD and Lauren Dowden, MSW, LCSW discuss the family's role in diagnosis and treatment.
04.11.2024Recent studies from Feinberg scientists have uncovered new insights into these disorders, elucidating the mechanisms behind Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS.
- 'They get some of that old joy back': West Falls musical cafe stirs memories for those with dementia04.10.2024 Buffalo NewsThe West Falls Musical Memories Cafe provides a space for joy and connections amidst the challenges of Alzheimer's and dementia. Experts, including Borna Bonakdarpour spoke about the therapeutic potential of music and community, illuminating the path to emotional well-being for those affected.
04.10.2024 Everyday HealthDiscover how the brain evolves with age, navigating between normal aging and cognitive concerns, as explained by experts like Molly Mather. Unveil insights into the fascinating world of 'SuperAgers,' individuals over 80 with memory abilities akin to those decades younger, shedding light on potential keys to maintaining brain health.
04.05.2024Northwestern Medicine investigators have developed a method to measure protein expression in an individual neuron type, according to a study published in Molecular Psychiatry.
04.03.2024We recently talked to Mesulam Center researchers, those of whom are involved in primary progressive aphasia (PPA) research, about a unique gift many of our research participants have left behind at the Center — their artwork. Discover how art becomes a profound means of communication and expression amidst language loss, leaving a lasting legacy at the Mesulam Center and beyond.- 04.03.2024
The Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer's Disease initiated the Northwestern University SuperAging Program (NUSAP) 25 years ago to show that the preservation of memory into the 80’s and beyond does happen and that a long life does not necessarily lead to Alzheimer’s disease. We are immensely grateful to all of our participants for generously donating their time and wisdom year after year and look forward to continue working together for many years to come. Read our full statement.