This one-day symposium is for direct care health professionals, researchers, and policy makers whose focus is to improve the lives of aging individuals within the limits of their genetic predisposition. The purpose of this event is to educate the audience about challenges affecting the health of the aging mind and brain and offer expert advice for improving the quality of life and treatment of patients and their families living with cognitive brain disease.

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For age is opportunity no less/Than youth itself, though in another dress,/And as the evening twilight fades away,/The sky is filled with stars invisible by day. --Henry Wadsworth Longfellow Morituri Salutamus, 1875

Healthy brain aging: Improved health care has lengthened the lives of people throughout the world. Unlike our predecessors, many of us will survive well beyond the age of 65. But growing old shouldn’t be just about collecting years and adding decades. Seniors should continue to flourish and enjoy their pursuits and relationships.  Maintaining a healthy mind and brain is key to leading productive and independent lives throughout the senior years. Unfortunately, diseases like Alzheimer’s and dementia often introduce devastating obstacles.

The University of Iowa’s Aging Mind and Brain Initiative, directed by Matthew Rizzo, MD, FAAN, and co-directed by Bernd Fritzsche, PhD, works to solve the cognitive problems associated with growing older. Our broad, multidisciplinary approach engages neuroscientists, basic scientists, behavioral scientists, engineers, social scientists, lawyers, and others to explore the effects of aging on the brain.

Our ultimate goal is to introduce new and effective treatments, devices, recommendations, and public policies that will be used to improve the quality of life for older individuals.