Nearly a year and a half ago, we released the Season 2 episode “In Sickness and in Health,” which explored new anti-amyloid therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, lecanemab and donanemab, known commercially as Leqembi and Kisunla.

After more than three years of lecanemab and nearly two years of donanemab in clinical use, how do patients, caregivers, and clinicians view these treatments today?

In this episode of The Age of Aging, we revisit the therapies reshaping Alzheimer’s care and hear from those experiencing them firsthand.

Inside this episode

• Patients receiving anti amyloid therapy share reflections on treatment, uncertainty, and hope.

• Dr. Justin Clapp discusses research on how patients, caregivers, and clinicians understand these therapies.

• Dr. Kyra O’Brien reflects on prescribing the treatments and changes within clinical practice.

• Dr. Jason Karlawish shares perspectives from patient conversations and clinical care.

Resources available on the episode webpage linked below

• Listen to “In Sickness and in Health”

• Learn more about Justin Clapp

• Learn more about Kyra O’Brien

• More information on anti-amyloid therapies

Special thanks this episode to Dave and Evelyn, Justin Clapp, PhD, MPH, Kyra O’Brien, MD, Joanne and Bruce Thomas, Sandy Shulan, and Jason Karlawish, 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 Penn’s Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center. Contributors include Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Alison Lynn.

The Age of Aging is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund.

Caring for an aging loved one isn’t easy — but you don’t have to do it alone. At Rothkoff Law Group, we guide families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania through every stage of your aging journey. Our team of elder care attorneys, geriatric care coordinators, and public benefits specialists advocate for your loved one’s well-being and your peace of mind. Rothkoff Law Group — your partner in advocacy and senior care planning, every step of the way. Visit RothkoffLaw.com.

We often think of dementia as an interior condition, one that happens within a person’s mind, independent of the outside world. However, as dementia and design experts note, we are in constant contact with our environments, and people with dementia are profoundly impacted by the spaces they occupy. How do we design a world for people with cognitive change? And what do the environments traditionally designed for older adults say about their current role in society? In this episode of The Age of Aging, we look at how architecture and design can both benefit those with dementia or become a detriment to their longevity.

Inside this episode:

• The Miracle Kitchen: Dr. Jason Karlawish discusses the Greenhouse Project and alternative approaches to dementia care design.

• The History of Concealment: Architectural historian Annmarie Adams explains how concealment has historically defined spaces for the sick and the elderly.

• Inclusive Design: Dementia Design Specialists Greg and Fiona Walsh share how they implement inclusive designs to reduce stress and promote independence.

Resources available on the episode webpage linked below

• Learn more about the Greenhouse Project

• Read “Concealment and Compassion” by Shannon Mattern

• Listen to Sally Chivers’ podcast, “Wrinkle Radio”

• Read “Deception and Design: The Rise of the Dementia Village”

• Explore the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America’s “The Apartment”

• Learn more about Shannon Mattern

• Learn more about Annmarie Adams

• Visit Fiona Kenney’s website

• Visit the Dementia Design Specialist Architects website

Special thanks this episode to Jason Karlawish, MD, Shannon Mattern, PhD, Annmarie Adams, PhD, Sally Chivers, PhD, Fiona Kenney, Greg Walsh, and Fiona Walsh.

The Age of Aging is a Penn Memory Center production hosted by Editorial Director Terrence Casey and Producer Jake Johnson. Contributors include Dalia ElSaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Alison Lynn.

The Age of Aging is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund.

Today’s episode is sponsored by The TIAA Institute, 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.

Caring for an aging loved one isn’t easy — but you don’t have to do it alone. At Rothkoff Law Group, we guide families across New Jersey and Pennsylvania through every stage of your aging journey. Our team of elder care attorneys, geriatric care coordinators, and public benefits specialists advocate for your loved one’s well-being and your peace of mind. Rothkoff Law Group — your partner in advocacy and senior care planning, every step of the way. Visit RothkoffLaw.com.

Being intentional about our diet is one of the best things we can do for the health and longevity of our brain. But what exactly is a healthy brain diet—and how do we make it realistic?

In the season 5 premiere of the Age of Aging, we break down the science and strategy behind the MIND diet and what it looks like to shop and eat for cognitive longevity.

Inside this episode:

• Terrence sits down with Dr. Jason Karlawish to discuss the results and implications of the U.S. POINTER study for healthy brain aging.

• Dr. Karlawish explains the science behind the MIND diet and how he implements it in his daily life.

• Registered dietitian nutritionist (and Terrence’s sister) Trish St. Ledger shares how to create nutritious meals that are both simple and affordable. St. Ledger provides an overview of a what typical day of breakfast, lunch, and dinner might look like following the MIND diet.

Resources available on the episode webpage linked below

• More information on the MIND Diet (Cleveland Clinic)

• More information on healthy eating and longevity (National Institute on Aging)

• Learn more about Trish St. Ledger

Special thanks this episode to Jason Karlawish, MD and Trish St. Ledger, MS, RD, LDN.

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 Dalia Elsaid, Jason Karlawish, Emily Largent, and Alison Lynn.

The Age of Aging is made possible by generous support from the Michael Naidoff Communications Hub fund.