10/05/2026
🧠💜 What a wonderful turnout today at the Fanwood Senior Center for our Healthy Brain presentation!
We had a full room of people interested in learning more about what we can do TODAY to protect our brain health and reduce our risk of cognitive decline.
I was thrilled to be joined by Paul Irwin-Dudek from the Alzheimer’s Association, who shared updates on advances in Alzheimer’s diagnosis and treatment, as well as the incredible work the Alzheimer’s Association is doing right here in our communities to support individuals and families affected by this disease.
One of the most exciting areas we discussed was the rapidly evolving role of blood-based biomarkers for Alzheimer’s disease, which are making earlier and more accessible detection possible. New Jersey has also expanded insurance coverage for certain medically appropriate biomarker testing—an important step forward in access to diagnostic care.
But one of the most important messages of the day was about PREVENTION.
👂 Hearing loss is one of the leading potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia. Research continues to demonstrate the important connection between hearing and brain health—and why identifying and treating hearing loss should be part of healthy aging.
Even more fascinating: research examining brain plasticity after hearing-aid fitting has found measurable neural changes beginning in as little as two weeks after treatment. Our brains respond when we restore access to sound!
And there’s another opportunity to make a difference this weekend! 💜
The Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Essex-Hudson-Union is this Saturday, October 10 at Kean University. It’s an incredible opportunity to come together as a community, support families affected by Alzheimer’s disease, and help move us closer to a future without Alzheimer’s and other dementias.
A huge thank you to Paul, the Alzheimer’s Association, and everyone at the Fanwood Senior Center who joined us today.
Healthy hearing is part of healthy aging—and taking care of our ears means taking care of our brains. 🧠👂💜
