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 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .   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 [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) .   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