Senior Adults Specialty Research

04/07/2026

Alzheimer's is a public health issue. That's why the Association and our partners are working to improve the health and wellbeing of communities across the country by using public health approaches to

🧠 Find ways to improve brain health by increasing healthy behaviors
🤝 Improve patient-physician communication around the early warning signs of dementia
💜 Build stronger partnerships between health care providers and community organizations so caregivers can be identified early and connected to the support and services they need.

During National Public Health Week, learn more about our public health work: alz.org/publichealth. National Public Health Week, learn more about our public health work: alz.org/publichealth.

04/06/2026

Agitation in Alzheimer’s disease can appear as restlessness, irritability, anxiety, or distress—and it can be difficult for both individuals and caregivers.

Research studies of investigational medications are underway to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in Alzheimer’s disease, including symptoms such as agitation.

You or a loved one may qualify if:

• Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease
• Experiencing agitation or behavioral changes
• A caregiver can participate in study visits

If you would like to learn more, you can visit: sasraustin.com/apply/

📍 Austin, TX | John Bertelson, MD, FAAN
Senior Adults Specialty Research
📞 512-407-8628

04/05/2026

04/05/2026

Every day, in communities across the country, our volunteers are delivering essential education programs, advancing health equity, advocating for important legislation, and raising funds and awareness to . Thank you, volunteers, for your dedication.

04/03/2026

Agitation in Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t always look the way people expect.

It may show up as restlessness, irritability, resistance to care, or signs of distress and anxiety.

These changes can be difficult—for both individuals and caregivers.

Research studies are ongoing to better understand agitation and evaluate investigational medications.

If you’re noticing these changes in a loved one, you’re not alone.

To learn more about current research opportunities, visit: sasraustin.com



📍 Austin, TX | Senior Adults Specialty Research

03/31/2026

Be kind to your brain!

Preventive medicine specialist Sandra Darling, DO, says that keeping your body and mind active has been proven to lower the risks of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. Here’s how you can do that:

-Play games (they’re not just for kids).
“Brain training programs are designed specifically to improve mental performance, but in truth, any game or puzzle involving strategic thinking can stimulate and engage the brain,” Dr. Darling says.

-Get a move on!
Research shows that regular physical activity helps keep you mentally sharp by increasing blood flow and oxygen to your brain.

What’s the best form of exercise? Any active activity you’ll actually do!

-Just breathe.
As critical as it is to move your body, Dr. Darling says it’s equally important to sit quietly and just breathe. In our goal-oriented, multitasking society, carving out time to sit with your breath is important.

One group of scientists found that practicing mindfulness for an average of 27 minutes per day increased gray matter density in your hippocampus after just eight weeks.

The hippocampus — the part of your brain responsible for learning and memory — is an area that shrinks in Alzheimer’s disease.

-Try new things.
Learn a new hobby or skill. Maybe try taking a class. Pushing your brain to learn new things creates new pathways in your brain and keeps your mind sharp. It doesn’t have to be an academic exercise. Give woodworking a chance. Spend time gardening and learning about the natural world. Take time to do a puzzle or a word search. Learn a new language or musical instrument.

-Stay connected.
Maintaining a robust social life and staying socially connected with others can bolster your brain function. When you communicate with others, you challenge your mind to interpret verbal and visual cues and respond to them accordingly. Social interaction can also improve your mood and, potentially, ward off depression, which is detrimental to your mental health, as well as your physical and cognitive well-being.

03/31/2026

Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementia is no easy task. We’re here to help. Call our free 24/7 Helpline at 800.872.3900.

03/31/2026

Find support, community, and understanding in AGE's FREE support groups!
To see scheduling details about support groups visit https://ageofcentraltx.org/index.php/pathways/pathways-support-groups/
or email ResourceCenter@AGEofCentralTX.org

General Caregiving (In Person) Central Austin:

General Caregiving (Virtual):

General Caregiving (In Person) South Austin – ASL INTERPRETATION PROVIDED:

Dementia Caregiving (Virtual):

Adult Child Caring for Parent (Virtual):

Life After Caregiving (Virtual) – for individuals finding purpose after caregiving.

Early Stage Memory Loss (Virtual)

Registration is required. Please email us to register at ResourceCenter@AGEofCentralTX.org

03/31/2026

Behavioral changes like agitation can be one of the more challenging aspects of Alzheimer’s disease—for both individuals and caregivers.

Research studies are underway to better understand these symptoms.

You or a loved one may qualify if:
• Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease
• Experiencing agitation or behavioral changes
• A caregiver can participate in study visits

Study related care is provided at no cost for eligible participants.

Learn more: sasraustin.com or call our office at 512-407-8628

📍 Austin, TX | John Bertelson, MD, FAAN | Senior Adults Specialty Research

03/30/2026

Does Your Loved One with Alzheimer’s Experience Agitation?

Restlessness, repetition, and physical or verbal outbursts are common symptoms of agitation in Alzheimer’s disease. If your loved one is experiencing these challenges, they may qualify for a clinical research study evaluating an investigational treatment for agitation associated with Alzheimer’s.

💙 What’s included?

✔ No out-of-pocket costs: study-related expenses, including transportation and meals, are covered.
✔ Ongoing support: participants receive a blood pressure monitor and weighing scale to keep.
✔ Convenient location: Senior Adults Specialty Research, 3215 Steck Avenue, Suite 202, Austin, TX 78757

📩 Learn more today! Contact us at calma@igcpharma.com or fill out a quick form (under 5 minutes) at

CALMA is a multicenter Phase 2 clinical trial designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of IGC-AD1 for treating agitation associated with Alzheimer's

03/27/2026

Your hippocampus is the part of your brain that helps you form and store memories.

It allows you to remember conversations, recognize faces and navigate your day. It’s also one of the first areas affected by Alzheimer’s disease.

As this area changes, memory can become less reliable.

While not all memory loss can be prevented, there are ways to support your brain:
• Stay physically active to support blood flow to the brain
• Keep learning—new skills help build brain connections
• Prioritize sleep so your brain can store memories
• Manage stress, which can affect memory over time
• Stay socially connected to keep your brain engaged

Your brain is always adapting. Supporting it daily can help protect your memory.

03/24/2026

Memory matters. And it matters differently for women.

Your brain is not set in stone. Everyday choices, even small ones, can protect it and make it stronger.

Think about your daily routine.

-Are you moving your body enough? Exercise is not just for your heart, it nourishes your brain too.
-Are you fueling yourself with real food like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein? Your brain notices.
-Are you learning, reading, or challenging yourself? Mental workouts are as important as physical ones.
-Are you sleeping well? Rest is when your brain stores what you have learned.
-Are you connecting with friends, family, or your community? Social engagement keeps your mind sharp.
-Are you managing stress and health conditions like blood pressure or diabetes? Your brain counts on it.

Every choice is a vote for your memory. Start today, start small, start with one step.