Tuesday, October 14, 2025
AgeGuide’s 2025 Aging Summit, Mind Matters: A Lifespan Approach to Brain Health, brought together professionals, researchers, and community partners for a powerful day of learning and collaboration focused on how to protect and promote brain health at every stage of life.
From cutting-edge research to community-based innovation, this year’s summit offered attendees a holistic view of how prevention, policy, and partnerships intersect to create a brain-healthy society.
A Look Back at the Highlights
Keynote: Modifiable Risk Factors
Dr. Lisa Barnes opened the summit with a compelling keynote that explored the science behind modifiable risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive decline. She emphasized the importance of inclusive research, health equity, and community engagement in advancing brain health for all.
From Plate to Prevention to Policy
Dr. Christine Tangney, Dr. Concetta Forchetti, and Olivia Matongo teamed up for a dynamic discussion linking lifestyle choices and public health policy. The session highlighted findings from Alzheimer’s clinical trials, including the U.S. POINTER study, which demonstrate how nutrition, daily habits, and family support can influence brain health outcomes. Matongo also shared how the CDC’s BOLD Initiative and other policy strategies are turning science into community action, creating systems that make brain-healthy living achievable for all.
Multidisciplinary Research and Care in Cognitive Aging
Dr. Darby Morhardt and Dr. Molly Mather discussed how multidisciplinary care, and research can improve outcomes for people across the cognitive aging spectrum, from those living with early-onset dementia to SuperAgers who continue to thrive.
Building Dementia-Friendly Communities
Dr. Raj Shah and Glenna Godinsky shared how the Illinois Cognitive Resource Network (ICRN) is leading efforts to make Illinois more dementia-friendly. Through partnerships, education, and advocacy, communities are coming together to ensure that people living with dementia feel supported and included.
Building a Brain-Healthy Society
A panel discussion featuring Dr. Morhardt, Dr. Mather, and Dr. Shah inspired attendees to think big about the future of brain health. From community belonging to scientific innovation, panelists explored how we can reimagine aging to promote cognitive wellness and equity at every level.
Dementia Friends Champion Training
The summit concluded with a Dementia Friends training led by Susan Frick, giving participants the opportunity to become certified Champions and continue the work of raising awareness and understanding in their own communities. Over 75 people ended the day equipped with the skills to be a dementia friend.
Moving Forward Together
The Aging Summit was a call to action. Attendees left with renewed energy, practical strategies, and a shared commitment to building a brain-healthy future for older adults and caregivers throughout our region.
AgeGuide extends heartfelt thanks to our presenters, sponsors, partners, and participants who made this year’s Aging Summit a success. Together, we’re proving that when it comes to brain health, every age matters.
To continue the inspiring topics we explored at the Aging Summit, we will keep this conversation going on The Age Guide Podcast this season. Our upcoming theme, Aging Well, will delve deeper into the topic of healthy aging, covering everything from brain health to physical and mental health.
Save the Date!
Mark your calendars for next year’s Aging Summit on September 17, 2026. AgeGuide looks forward to bringing our network together once again for another engaging and inspiring day of learning, collaboration, and action to advance the well-being of older adults across our region.
