Mesulam Center Connections: Q&A with Community Engagement Coordinator Phyllis Timpo

July 2022

Meet Phyllis Timpo, the Community Engagement Coordinator for the Mesulam Center. She joined the center in March of this year to expand, strengthen, and coordinate a robust community engagement strategy for the Mesulam Center while serving the Center’s mission and that of our community partners.

Prior to joining the Mesulam Center, she conducted research in community psychology and worked for civic engagement agencies. Today, she guides the center’s Underrepresented Group Recruitment and Retention Task Force to build and strengthen partnerships in nearby neighborhoods.

We sat down with Phyllis to discuss her role and the importance of community partnerships.

Read the Full Q&A Here

Photo of Jason Boschan at Mt. Everest Marathon. Text: News & Updates: Run4Papa Founder Takes on World's Highest Marathon to Fund Dementia Research

“Everybody has their own Mount Everest they were put on this earth to climb,” said Run4Papa founder Jason Boschan. “Mine is running to find a cure for dementia.”

Although Mr. Boschan is referring to a figurative Mount Everest, his journey towards a cure includes conquering the actual mountain itself. In May 2022, he ran the Everest Marathon, a feat that fewer than 2,000 people have completed in the race’s 20-year history.

The endeavor consisted of 11 days of hiking to Everest Base Camp (EBC), an average of more than five hours of hiking per day, and 10 hours, 41 minutes, and 29 seconds running the “world’s highest marathon”—all to support dementia awareness and research in the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine.

Read the Full Article

The Mesulam Center is once again forming a team for the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's on Saturday, October 8 at Soldier Field. Held annually in more than 600 communities nationwide, the Alzheimer's Association Walk to End Alzheimer's is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support and research. This inspiring event calls on participants of all ages and abilities to join the fight against the disease.

We hope that you will join our team! Family and friends are also welcome to join. All members of the team will receive a custom t-shirt!

To register, click the button below and select “JOIN OUR TEAM.” Our team name is “Mesulam Center – Northwestern University”. You will receive an email after registering to confirm that you have joined the team!

Stayed tuned for more information. Email Callen Spencer and/or Bobby Bobbitt with any questions.

Join the Mesulam Center Team

Brain Donation: A Gift for Future Generations

One donated brain can make a huge impact for Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias research, potentially providing information for hundreds of research studies. Brain donation can help researchers learn how the brain is affected by diseases and how we might better treat and prevent them.

Click the button below to learn about why people donate their brains for Alzheimer's research, the process of brain donation, and how to talk with your family about this decision.

Learn More About Brain Donation

Upcoming Events with Community Partners

Music, Movement & Memory

August 6 and August 13

11:00 - 11:45 AM

Old Town School of Folk Music and Lorenzo‘s House join forces to launch a Summer pilot session: Music, Movement & Memory—designed for individuals and families living with younger-onset Alzheimer’s and other dementia. Led by a Chicago-based musician and educator, this interactive experience where music and expression ignite joy and personal connection. RSVP here.

South Loop Memory Café: Salute to Summer

August 16, 3:00 - 4:00 PM

The South Loop Village Memory Café is a free monthly social gathering for persons living with dementia and their family, friends, and care partners. Meetings are in-person at the Second Presbyterian Church in Fellowship Hall. They are hosted every second Thursday of the month.

South Loop Virtual Memory Café: Salute to Summer

August 23, 2:00 - 3:00 PM

The South Loop Village and the Mesulam Center are excited to announce that our monthly Virtual Memory Café is back. These free virtual social gathering are for persons living with dementia and their family, friends, and care partners. Meetings are held via Zoom every fourth Tuesday of the month.

Renaissance Collaborative Senior Health Fair

August 19, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Join the the Renaissance Collaborative for a Senior Village Health Fair on Friday, August 19 at TRC Senior Village. There will be a variety of vendors and resources for older adults seeking to learn more about how to best manage their health.

News & Announcements

Neuropsychological Assessment in Dementia Diagnosis

Sandra Weintraub, PhD recently published a chapter in Dementia Vol.28, No.3 titled Neuropsychological Assessment in Dementia Diagnosis. The article discusses the application of neuropsychological evaluation to the workup of individuals with age-related cognitive impairment and suspected dementia.

Half of All Patients with Dementia Will Wander Off. Here’s How to Identify Concerns

Knowing the difference between normal aging and symptom’s of Alzheimer’s or dementia can make it easier when it comes getting an early start on cognitive health care. Dr. Borna Bonakdarpour, MD shares tips on what to look for and when to start conversations about care.

The Different Diseases Behind Language Impairment

A new study has found that at least five different brain-attacking diseases strike different parts of the human language network. Conducted by researchers at Northwestern University’s Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease and published in the journal Brain, the findings suggests that not only is it time to shift the way brain diseases are diagnosed but it’s also time to change the approach to treatment when patients exhibit language impairment.

Is ‘Face Blindness’ Real

Brad Pitt has said he might have prosopagnosia, which affects his ability to recognize people. Borna Bonakdarpour, MD recently discussed the condition and causes with the New York Times.

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