UChicago’s Healthy Aging & Alzheimer’s Research Care (HAARC) Center was established in 2023 to create a physical and intellectual hub for advancing aging, Alzheimer’s, and related dementia (ADRD) research with a focus on promoting resilience, resistance, and increased healthspan.

At the HAARC Center, we envision a future where individuals can age gracefully, maintaining cognitive vitality and overall well-being. Our mission is clear: to serve as a premier research center dedicated to unraveling the complexities of aging, Alzheimer’s, and related dementias through multidisciplinary collaboration, community engagement, education, and the development of innovative interventions grounded in evidence.

Our team includes researchers, clinicians, educators, staff, trainees, and community partners working tirelessly to uncover factors that contribute to resilience and resistance to the negative impacts of aging and neurodegenerative diseases. We lead international multidisciplinary studies on SuperAging, offer global enrollment for a non-pharmacologic intervention trial for those living with primary progressive aphasia (PPA), and contribute to collaborative efforts across the ADRD spectrum. Through rigorous scientific inquiry and a commitment to excellence, we aim to not only expand our understanding of aging and dementia but also to translate our findings into tangible benefits for individuals and communities alike.

Central to our approach is the recognition that meaningful progress requires the collective efforts of diverse perspectives and disciplines. By fostering collaboration across fields such as neuroscience, neuropsychology, neurology, gerontology, neuropathology, public health, and beyond, we leverage the full spectrum of expertise to address the multifaceted challenges of aging, Alzheimer’s disease, and related dementias.

We are deeply committed to engaging, authentically partnering with, and empowering our broader community. By forging strong partnerships with local organizations, advocacy groups, caregivers, and individuals impacted by dementia, we ensure our research remains grounded in the lived experiences and needs of those we aim to serve. Together, we will create a culture of inclusivity, empathy, and mutual support, where everyone has a voice in shaping the future of aging and dementia research and care.

As we embark on this exciting journey, I invite each of you to join us in our mission. Whether you are a researcher pushing the boundaries of scientific knowledge, a student eager to learn and contribute, a caregiver seeking support and resources, or a member of the community interested in making a difference, your involvement is needed and valued.

Together, we can make meaningful strides toward a future where aging embodies resilience and vitality. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our HAARC Center, we look forward to remaining connected with you.

With gratitude,

Emily Rogalski, PhD

Rosalind Franklin Professor of Neurology   | The University of Chicago

Director | Healthy Aging & Alzheimer’s Research Care  (HAARC) Center