Neurodegenerative Diseases, Brain Health and the Secrets of Superagers

Cognitive functioning is perhaps the most central aspect of our human experience. Our sense of self depends on our ability to remember the past and weave those experiences into a coherent autobiography of who we used to be and how we came to be the person we are today. Our ability to reason and make judgments helps us navigate the world and guides us as we make decisions about our lives. Language connects us to others and enables us to share our deepest feelings.

Yet neurodegenerative diseases can rob us of one or more of these faculties—and the consequences can be devastating. In this presentation, Jana Wingo will explain the terminology of neurodegenerative diseases, describe the workup required to make a diagnosis, cover current treatment options and outline some of the steps you can take to promote brain health.

You'll also learn some of the secrets of superagers—people in their eighties and beyond whose cognitive abilities rival those of healthy midlifers—as Wingo shares some of the groundbreaking research being conducted by Northwestern research scientists.

Don't miss this essential introduction to growing older and wiser. Your brain will thank you!

Jana Wingo, PhD, conducts neuropsychological evaluations for adults in the Neurobehavior and Memory Clinic of the Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease at Northwestern Medicine. She has a joint appointment as an assistant professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the Feinberg School of Medicine. After completing her doctorate in clinical psychology at Loyola University-Chicago, she completed a clinical internship at the University of Chicago and a postdoctoral fellowship in clinical neuropsychology at the Medical College of Wisconsin.

Tuesday, November 12
9:15 to 9:45 a.m.— Coffee in the Marillac Room
10 to 11:30 a.m.— Lecture and Q&A session in the Loyola Theater
11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.—Catered lunch in the Marillac Room

Complimentary valet parking available.