Healthy Aging Lecture Series

Featuring: Patrick Drew, Ph.D., Associate Director, Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences; Professor of Engineering Science and Mechanics, of Neurosurgery, of Biology, and of Biomedical Engineering

Our brains are made up mostly of water, and just like a river, that water is always moving. This gentle flow helps clear away waste — waste that, if it builds up, can lead to problems like dementia and other neurological diseases. In this talk, Dr. Patrick Drew shared how his research uses powerful microscopes to look inside the brain and show how two simple things — sleep and exercise — help this “rinse cycle” work better, keeping our minds sharp and healthy as we age. 

Now available to view online (with closed captions).

Featuring: Martin Sliwinski, Ph.D., Gregory H. Wolf Professor of Aging Studies

How much of your brain health is in your hands? This talk explored how lifestyle choices, social connections, and community environments shape brain aging and Alzheimer’s risk. 

Now available to view online (with closed captions).

Featuring: Nelson Roque, Ph.D., Assistant Professor

Generative artificial intelligence (AI) has become more accessible than ever, but with increased accessibility comes growing concern over its potential for misuse especially in spreading misinformation aimed at older adults. IDr. Roque examined how well people of different age groups can identify AI-manipulated images and shared strategies to help individuals better guard against the risks of deceptive AI-generated content. 

Now available to view online (with closed captions).

Featuring: Niki Crowley, Ph.D.

Dr. Nikki Crowley discussed how the brain assesses risk, the factors that influence our choices to take risks, why risk taking can be both adaptive and necessary, as well as how this process changes during development and aging. Presented in partnership with Eberly College of Science.

Now available to view online (with closed captions).